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«     #  r  c  r       «      «  «      t     «  < 


Press  of  Putnam  &  Hunt 


•  »    !  •  •  '  '  0      "       o      ;      «i      rt  <» 

YorAr.i^     \\Av^yA\^V\  CvJ-i^j'^Ur) 

BO^teiOIHO  self OOL.; 

•  •      t       •   t       «         ^   .  ,   - 

OR, 

LESSONS 

or  A 

vasosPTasss  to  nan  pxjpzziSi 

coNsiSTiNo  or 

Snfocmatton,  Kn^tructCon  aittr  ^i)(ce» 

OALOVLATED  TO  IMHROTC  TIIK   MANRKRt  A«D 
FORM  TUX  OUARiOTJCR  OW 

YOUNG  LADIES. 

TO  WHICB  ri  ADDJCD, 

_  A  ooxiXiaoTzoxT  or  ZiSVTaaB,.^ 

W»ITTBK  BY  TRX  PVPXLl  TO  THEIR  INtTRVO* 

TRBit,  TH£XR  rRIXNDl,  AND 

XACU  OTHXR. 


BY  A  LADY  OF  MASSACHUSETTS, 

AUTHOR  0?  TBK  '  OoqVXTTB.* 


BOSTON........ J.  P.  PEA8LEE. 

MDOCCZZIZ. 


1i 


mmmimmmmmmm 


'\ 


V- 


\i^V'''«i 


-A 


,    k- 


(S    Ed   A  IE  i^  • 


rm^f  fii 


I 


t* 


DEDIOATION-. 


1 


% 


To  tho  YovNO  Ladies  or  Amkrioa,  the  fol- 
lowing nhnoU  nro  Afruclionatcly  inicribcd. 

Convinn^il  oftlitt  ninny  advantages  of  a  good  educa- 
tion, ond  tho  iniportanco  of  improving  thoso  advanta-  I 
,  f>vi ;  or  of  counterbalancing  tho  want  of  thorn  by 
^rxcrting  the  montnl  powon  which  noturo  hot  bestowed; 
^  hcnsiblc,  too,  that  the  foundation  of  a  niefut  and  hnppy 
lifo  must  be  laid  in  youth,  ond  that  much  depends  on 
<  tho  early  infusion  of  virtnoos  principles  into  the  docile 
:  inind,  the  outhor  has  employed  a  part  of  her  lebore 
'i  hours  in  collecting  and  arranging  ber  ideas  on  the  sub- 
r  jcct  of  female  deportment, 

ilow  fur  she  has  succeeded  in  her  design,  Um  toict 
j  of  ft  candid  publio  will  pronounot. 


206 


THE 

BOARDIJVG  SCHOOL5   &c. 


On  llic  dclipjhtful  margin  of  the  Merrimac,       H 

in  one  of  the  most  pleasant  and  beautiful  situ-       !• 

I  ations,  which  that  fertile  and  healthful  part  6f       f- 

]  America  afibrds,  lived  Mrs.  Williams,  the  vir-  A  | 

j  tunus  relict  of  a  respectable  clergyman.  -^  f 

^     She  had  two  daughters,  lovely  and  gfomis-       | 

-:  inp  as  ever  parent  could  boast.  | 

Mrs.  Williams'  circumstances  were  easy.       ^| 

She  possessed  a  little  patrimony,  to  which  she       | 

retired,  ader  her  husband's  doceaso  ;  but  a       | 

dcsiro  of  preserving  this  for  her  children,  and       | 

a  wish  to  promote  their  advantage  and  enlarge       \i 

their  society,  induced  her  to  open  a  Boarding       S 

School.  f 

As  she  had  an  eye,  no  less  to  the  social 
pleasure,  than  to  the  pecuniary  profit  of  the 
undertaking,  she  admitted  only  seven,  at  a 
time,  to  the  privilege  of  her  tuition. 

These  were  all  young  ladies,  who  had  pro-^ 
yiously  received  the  first  rudiments  of  learn* 
ing,  and  been  initiated  into  the  polite  accom- 
plishments, which  embellish  virtue  and  soAen 
the  cares  of  human  life.    They  had  general!/ 


wtm 


6      •  TUB   BOAnoiNO   lOHOOL.  ^ 

lived  ill  tho  oietropoliai  and  had  acquired  the 
graces  of  a  fanhionablo  deportment;  but  th'^y 
pDsseBsed  diiierent  tempers  and  disposition!^.  ' 
which  had  been  variously,  and,  in  some  re- 
spocts,  erroneously  managed. 

To  cultivate  tho  expanding  flowers,  and  to 
prune  tho  juvenile  eccentricities,  which  were 
disseminated  among  these  tender  plants;  or, 
to  speak  without  a  figure,  to  extend  and  pu- 
rify their  ideas,  to  elevate  and  rcfino  their  af- 
foctions,  to  govern  and  direct  their  passionn, 
required  nn  eye,  watchful,  and  u  hand,  hIuHuI 
as  tlioHO  of  tho  judicious  Mrs.  Williutns. 

While  her  judgment  and  prudence  aided  tho 
useful  ncquisltionH  of  the  mind,  a  sprightly 
fancy  and  a  cheerful  disposition,  regulated  by 
experience  and  discretion,  qualified  her  to  en- 
ter, at  once,  with  becoming  dignity  and  con« 
descending  ease,  into  all  their  concernN  ;  to 
participate  their  pleasures;  while,  with  candor 
und  mildness,  she  reproved  their  errors,  de- 
tected their  follies,  and  facilitated  their  amend* 
mcnt. 

As  the  young  ladies  had  finished  their  school 
education,  before  Mrs.  Williams  received  them 
to  her  mansion,  her  instructions  were  moro 
especially  designed  to  polish  the  mental  port, 
to  call  forth  tho  dormant  virtues,  to  unito  and 
arrange  tho  charms  of  person  and  mind,  to 
inspire  a  due  sense  of  decorum  and  propriety, 
ancl  to  instil  such  principles  of  piety,  morality, 
benevolence,  prudence  and  economy,  as  might 
be  useful  through  life. 


THB   nOARDINO   SCHOOL.  7 

Their  time  was,  accordingly,  disposed  in  a 
manner  most  conducive  to  the  attainment  of 
these  objects.  Kvcry  part  of  it  wos  employed 
to  some  valuable  purpose  ;  "  for  idleness,'* 
Mrs.  Williams  observed,  *'  is  the  rust  of  the 
mind." 

Whatever  tended  to  enlarge,  inform,  im- 
prove, or  amuse,  she  supposed  worthy  their 

;     attention. 

;  She  particularly  endeavored  to  domesticate 
thcm^  to  turn  their  thoughts  to  the  beneficial 
anSTTiccc'ssary  qualilicationp  of  private  life  ; 
oAcn  inculcating,  that 

•*  Nothing  lovelier  can  bo  found  in  woman 
Than  to  study  household  good  ;** 

and  laboring  to  convince  them  of  the  utter  in-^ 
significance  and  uselessness  of  that  part  of  the 
sex,  who  are 

"  Urcd  only  and  completed  to  the  tasto 
or  Inslfuf  opprtcncc  ;  to  Bing,  to  dance, 
'J*o  drcMy  nnd  troll  the  tongue,  ond  roll  tho  oyo." 

Early  rising  sho  recommended,  both  by 
precept  and  example.  This,  sho  said,  would 
not  only  promote  their  health,  but  render  them 
mistresses  of  many  hours,  which  must  other- 
wise be  lost  in  enervating  sloth  and  inaction. 
"  And  should  we,"  continued  she,  **who  have 
so  much  cause  for  exertion,  thus  sacrifice  the 
best  part  of  our  time?" 

"  Falsely  luxurious,  will  not  man  awake. 
And,  starting  from  tho  bed  of  aloth,  enioy 
The  cool,  the  fragrant,  and  the  ailent  hour» 
To  meditation  dua,  and  taorad  aong  1 


8  THE    BOARDING   lOHOOL.  ^ 

And  If  thore  aught  in  il^p  can  oharm  tha  wita  1 

To  lie  In  dead  obUvion,  loilnff  half 

The  fleeting  momentn  of  too  inort  a  life  1  ^ 

Total  extinction  ofth*  enlightened  loul !  - 

Or  olio  to  foveriah  vanity  alive, 

WildorM  and  toMing  through  diitomperM  dreama  1 

Who  would  in  luch  a  gloomy  itnto  romnin, 

Longer  than  nature  craves  ;  when  overy  muM, 

And  every  blooming  pleasure  wait  without, 

To  blesi  the  wildly  devious  morning  walk  V* 

Another  laudable  practice  of  Mrs.  Williams, 
was  perfect  regularity  in  the  government  of 
her  pupils,  and  in  the  arrangement  of  their 
daily  oxcrciMOM.  **  Whon,'*  niiid  »lio,  **  wo 
observe  the  order  of  the  natural  world,  and 
admire  the  consistency  and  harmony  of  every 
part,  we  may  hence  derive  a  lesson,  for  the 
regulation  of  our  conduct,  in  the  sphere  as- 
signed to  us." 

J^urHuant  to  this  plan  of  operation,  tho  young 
ladies  arose  at  ilvu;  from  wliicli  tliev  had  two 
hours  ut  their  own  disposal,  till  the  bell  sum- 
moned them  at  seven,  to  the  hall,  where,  the 
ceremonies  of  (ho  morning  salutation  over, 
they  broaUfuMiod  together;  their  repast  being 
,  Noartonnd  with  (ho  unrimtrainud  ellusions  of 
;  good  humor  and  sociability .j  On  these  occa- 
siouM,  IMrs.  Willhuns  sunpundod  thu  authority 
of  the  matron,  that,  by  accustoming  her  pupils 
to  familiarity  in  her  presonce,  they  might  be 
free  from  restraint;  and,  feeling  perfectlv  easy 
and  unawed,  appear  in  their  genuine  charac- 
ters. By  this  mean  she  had  an  opportunity 
of  ubsorVing  any  indecorum  of  l^ehavior,  or 
wrong  bias  ;  which  she  kept  in  mind,  till  a 


1 


THE    BOABDIIfO    ICHOOL.  9 


{proper  time  to  mention,  and  remonstrate 
i against  it  ;  a  method,  the  salutary  effects  of 
Jwiiich  wcro  visible  in  the  daily  improvement 
J  of  her  pupils. 

I     The  breakfast  table  removed,  each  took  her » 
I  nccdlc-work,   except   one,  who    read    some 
I  amusing  and  instructive^  book,  for  the  benefit  ^ 
I  and  entertainment  of  the  rest.     The  subject 
i  was  selected  by  Mrs.  Williams,  who  conferred 

the  reading  upon  them  in  rotation. 
i       At  twelve  o'clock,  they  were  dismissed  till 
'i   one,  when  dinner  again  called  them  to[^CLhcr, 
which  was  conducted  in  the  same  manner  on 
^   the  morning  repast. 

I  Having  resumed  their  occupations,  the  read- 
er of  the  day  produced  some  piece  of  her  own 
composition,  cither  in  prose,  or  verso,  accord- 
ing to  her  inclination,  as  a  specimen  of  her 
^  genius  and  improvement.  This  being  sub- 
•^  niittcd  to  Mrs.  Williams'  inspection,  and  the 
1  candid  perusal  and  criticism  of  her  compan- 
1  ions;  and  tho  subject  canvassed  with  great 
I  freedom  of  opinion,  they  withdrew  from  the 
I  tasks  of  the  day  to  seek  that  relaxation  and 
I  amusement,  which  each  preferred.  No  inno- 
j  cent  gratification  was  denied  them.  The 
J  sprightly  dance,  tho  sentimental  song,  and 
I  indeed  every  species  of  pastime,  consistent 
■i  with  the  decorum  of  the  sex,  was  encouraged, 
I  as  tending  to  health,  cheerfulness,  and  ^ac* 
I    rity. 

I        In  these  pleasing  pursuits  and  enjoyments, 
I    the  present  class  of  happy  companions  had 


X 


%   ■ 

to  .  THK   BOARDIKO   lOliOOL. 


^nearly  completed  the  term  allotted  them  by 
their  jp^ronts,  and  were  soon  to  leave  the 

Coaoerul  ahados  in  which  they  delighted,  when 
oing  assemblod  on  the  Monday  mornin{^  of 
their  last  week,  their  revered  Proceptress  thus 
accosted  thorn:  | 

"  As  the  period  is  approaching,  my  dear   ■ 
pupils,  when  I  must  resij^n  your  uocicty,  and 
quit  tlio  important  charge  of  instructor  and   I 
triond,  which  I  have   suntainod  with  so  much    | 
ploaMure,  and,^  I   truitt,  with  some  dogroo  of   i 
iidolity,  I  sholl  sum  up  the  counsels,  admoni- 
tions, and  advice,  which  I  have  frequently  in-    \ 
culcatcd,  and  endeavor  to  impress  them  on    . 
your  minds,  ns  my  valedictory  address.     For    ^ 
this  purpose,  during  this  last  week  of  your    1 
residence  with  me,  I  shall  dispense  with  your 
usual  exercises,  and  substitute  a  collection  of 
my  own  sentiments,  enforced  by  the  pathos  of 
the  occasion. 

"  Your  docility,  and  cheerful  diligence  in 
attending  to  my  instructions  ;  your  modest, 
afFectionato,  and  respectful  behavior,  togith- 
er  with  the  laudable  progress  you  have  made 
in  every  branch,  which  you  have  pursued,  have 
well  rewarded  my  care,  and  engaged  my  ap- 
probation and  love.  To  mo,  therefore,  a  sep- 
aration will  be  painful.  To  you  the  period  is 
important.  It  is  a  period,  which,  whilo  it  re 
lioves  you  from  the  confmcment  of  scholaHtic 
rules,  introduces  you  to  new  scenes  of  cares, 
of  pleasures,  of  trials,  and  of  temptations, 
which  will  call  for  the  exerciie  of  every   vir- 


*f 


if, 


TliK    DOARDIXQ    SCHOOL.  t\ 

tuc,  and  afford  opportunity  for  improving  tho  ' 
indowmcnts,  both  natural  and  acquirod,  which 
you  possess.    Think  not  then,  that  your  enian- 
cipation  from  schools,  gives  you  liberty  to  neg- 
lect tho  advantages  which  you  have  received 
iVom  them.     Tho  obligations  under  which  you 
arc  laid  to  your  parents  for  tho  education  they 
have  given  you,  require  a  diligent  improve- 
ment of  every  talent  committed  to  your  trust. 
**  Of  needle-work  you  aro  coninlcto  mis*- 
trosHOfl,  from  tho  most  delicate  and  highly  fm- 
islicd,  to  the  most  ordinary,  though  perhopg 
not  W.AH  useful,  economy  of  mending  and  mak- 
J  in^  tho  coarser  garments  of  tamily  uso.     Ma- 
]    ny,  I  am  aware,  suppose  this  last  a  species  of 
j    learning,  which  is  benouth  tho  attention  of  a 
]    lady:  but  Clara  will  tell  you  how  valuable  it 
t    baa  proved  to  her;  and  how  valuable  it  tnaij 
prove  to  you. 

"  Nursed   in  tho  lap  of  aftluenco,  and  ac- 
customed to  unbounded  expense,  Clara  littlo 
thought,  at  your  ago,  that  she  should  ever  de- 
pend on  her  needle  for  tho  livelihood  and  de- 
cent appearance  of  a  rising  family.    A  discreet 
and  prudent  mother  early  inculcated  tho  Ion- 
sons  of  industry  and  economy,  which  sho  now 
practices;  and  taught  her  that  tho  knowledge 
could  bo  of  no  disservice,  though  sho  never 
had  occasion  for  it.     She  married  with  tho 
t    brightest  prospoctH.     But  a  sorics  of  unavoid- 
able disastorg,  such   as   no   human   wisdom 
J   could  foroioo  or  prevent,  reduced  hor  to  nar- 
i   row  circuiniitAnooi^  andj  to  complete  her  mift- 


^ 


13  THS   BOARDING  ICHOOL. 

fortune^  she  waa  left  a  widow  with  four  tma!i 
children.    Hor  parents  were  in  the  grave;  her . 
patrimony  was  gone  I    In  this  oxigoiice  what  | 
was  hor  rosourco  ?    Not  fruitless  lamentations,  | 
hnd  unavailing  complaints.    She  immcdiatch  | 
summoned  her  resolution;  and  by  the  use  of  | 
her  needle  has  ever  since  supported  herself  J 
and  family  with  decency,  and  been  highly  re- 
spected for  her  prudent  exertions  and  exera-  r 
plary  industry.     Directly  the  reverse  of  this  I 
amiable  character  is  that  of  Jielinda.     She  ^ 
was  educated  in  the  same  way  with  Clara;  the  - 
same  schools  gave  them  tuition;  and  similar 
prospects   awaited  their   entrance   into   lilV 
Ouluinities  attended  the  progress  of  each;  bu' 
diUbrent  as  their  tempers  and  dispositions  w 
their  conduct  under  them.     The  fulling  fur- 
tunes  of  Clara  were  awhile  suspended  by  her 
discretion  and  frugality;  whilp  the  ruin  of  Be- 
linda was  hastened  by  her  extravagance,  dissi- 
pation, and   idleness.      View  them,  now,  in 
their  reduced  state!     Neatness,  cheerfulness, 
and  aciivity  preside  in  the  dwelling  of  Clara; 
negligence,  peevishness,  and  sloth  are  legibly 
stamped  on  that  of  Belinda.     The  ear  is  pain- 
ed by  her  complaints  of  poverty;    the  eye  is 
difigustod  by  her  slatternly  appearance,  and  ov 
tentatious  display  of  the  tattered  remnants  oi 
finery,  which  bespeak  the  pride  and  indolence 
of  their  owner;  who  will  neither  convert  ther> 
into  more  comfoitable  garments,  nor,  by  r«> 
pairing,  render  them  becoming. 
'*  I  hope,  however,  that  occasions  like  these 


miMmmtmuitiUm 


TUB   DOARDINO   MCI1CM>L.  13 

mny  novor  call  for  your  oxcrtiona.     But  thcro 
may  bo  cnacs,  whon,  to  know  the  vno  of  your 
needles  will  answer  important  purposes,  even 
I  in  an  exalted  station,  and  amidst  tho  splendor 
]  of  alllucnce  and  plenty. 
I      '*  Matilda  dignified  a  princely  fortune  by 
I  tho  cxcTciHo  of  every  virtue  which  can  adorn 
.  a  lady.     Amon^  thoHO,  charity  shono  con^pic- 
110U.4.     llor  maid  said  to  her,  one  day,  Mad- 
am, would  you  have  mo  lay  aside  those  cast- 
clothes  for  some  poor  person?    Yes,  replied 
Mntiida;  but  sit  down,  and  mend  them  iirst. 
DonH  you  see  they  need  it  ?     Why,  Madam, 
'   rejoined  tho  girl,  is  it  not  enough  fur  you  to 
^ivo  them  away?     I  should  tlnnk  tho  least 
they  can  do  is  to  mend  them  for  themselves! 
j   In  that  case,  said  Matilda,  my  bounty  would 
I   1)0  greatly  diminished.      People,   who  need 
i  charity  have  not  the  necessary  materials  for 
'   putting  such  articles  into  repair;  and  should  I 
lurnish  them,  perhaps  they  have  never  been 
taught  to  use  their  noodles.     No  more  have 
1,  returned  tho  maid.     Have  you  not  ?   said 
Matilda.     Well  then,  sit  down,  and  I  will  di- 
rect your  ingenuity  upon  those  clothes.     By 
this  mean  you  may  learn  a  very  useful  lessoni 
I  assure  you;  a  lesson,  which  by  practising 
for  yourself,  will  enable  you  to  lay  up  part  of 
your  wages  against  the  timo  when  sickness  or 
old  ago  shall  tako  you  from  your  labors. 

^^  Such  examples  of  condescension  and  bo- 
novolenco  to  inferiors,  aro  of  moro  real  and 
lasting  uso  than  pounds  prodigally  bestowed.  ^ 
2 


14  THB   BOARDrNO  BOHOOI.. 

^<  Do  you  neek  hijuher  tontimoniot  or  iht 
honor  and  utility  of  this  employment  }  Yoq 
may  collect  many  fromtho  histories  which  you  ^ 
have  read  during  the  las^t  year.  Among  'the 
liomansy  and  several  other  nations  of  antiqui- 
ty, a  scarf,  wrought  by  the  noodle  of  a  favor- 
ito  fair,  was  received  as  an  honorable  token  of 
respect,  and  improved  as  an  invincible  stimu- 
lus to  heroic  deeds.  Ladies  of  the  first  rank 
and  station  considered  it  as  no  derogation  fror 
the  dignity  or  delicacy  of  their  character,  to 
make  their  own  apparel,  and  that  of  their  fomi- 
lics.  The  virtuous  Panthoa,  when  her  hus- 
band was  going  to  fight  in  the  cause  of  Cyru8, 
her  generous  deliverer,  mngnificcntly  adorned 
his  person,  and  decorated  his  armor  with  her 
own  needle-work. 

**  We  ought  never  to  bo  idle.  No  moment 
should  be  unoccupied.  Some  employment,  , 
salutary,  either  to  body  or  mind,  or  both,  nhoulci 
be  constantly  pursued;  and  the  needle  is  al- 
ways at  hand  to  sunply  the  want  of  other  avo- 
cations. The  lislless  vacuity,  which  some 
young  ladies  indulge,  renders  them  extremely 
unhappy,  though  tlvey  are  insensible  of  the 
cause  and  seek  to  beguilo  the  time  in  frivo- 
louM  amuHomcnts. 

**  A  still  more  endearing  motive  remains  io 
l>o  suggoMted;  and  thnt  is  the  pleasure,  which 
your  accomplishments  in  this  ornamental  aru' 
useful  art  n)ust  nllord  your  parents;  and  th< 
pain,  which  your  neglect  of  it  herea(\er  mv 
occasion  them. 


THE    llOAHDINO   SCIIOUL.  15 

^*  But  your  faithful  and  assiduous  iniprovo- 

I  tiicnt  of  timo,  since  you  Imvo  been  with  mo,  is 

I  u  ffuro  pledge  of  your  porsovcranco  in  tho  path 

I  of  duty,  and  your  progress  in  every  virtue. 

;  I  trust,  thorcfore,  that  what  I  havo  said  will 

\  l)c  cnrrrnvcd  on  vour  memories;  and  that  somo 

1  useful  idco.i  will  be  selected  by  each  of  you 

1  fur  your  future  advantage. 

^      **  Your  minds  aro  a  good  soil;    and  may  I 

not  flatter  mysc1f|  that  tho  seeds  of  instruction 

which  1  have  sown,  *  will  spring  up,  and  yield 

fruit  abundantly?'" 

With  one  voice,  they  most  aflToctionatolpr 
assured  Mrs.  Williams,  that  it  should  bo  their 
doily  study  to  profit  by  her  lessons;  and  with- 
drew. 


Monday^  P.  Jtf. 
HEADING. 

Being  assembled,  this  adernoon,  Mrs.  Wil- 
liams thus  resumed  her  discourse. 

*^  Reading  is  so  common  a  part  of  education, 
that  the  value  of  it  is  not  duly  estimated;  nor 
tho  manner  of  performing  it,  suilicicntly  at- 
tended to.  It  is  not  the  mere  propriety  of  pro- 
nunciation, accent,  and  cadence,  which  con- 
stitutes good  reading.    You  must  enter  into 


^ 


^  f 

19  THB  BOAAPIlfO   tCUOOL.  ^ 

tho  Spirit  of  tho  subjecti  and  fcol  intorosted  io  I 
tfio  matteri  boforo  you  can  profit  by  tho  oxor-  j 
cise. 

^^  But  you  are  ao  well  acquainted  with  the 
manner  of  reading,  that  the  quality  of  books 
most  worthy  of  vour  perusal  is  tho  only  point 
on  which  I  neea  to  enlarge. 

^^  Romances,  the  taste  of  former  times,  arc 
now  80  far  out  of  vogue,  that  it  is  hardly  ne-  ' 
cossary  to  warn  you  against  them.     They  ex- 
hibit tho  spirit  of  chivalry,  knight-errantry, 
and  extravagant  folly,  which  iprcvailud  in  the 
ago  they  depict.     But  they  are  not  interest-   ! 
ing;  nor  can  they  bo  pleasing  to  the  correct 
taste  and  refined  delicacy  of  tho  present  day. 
'^  Novels,  are  tho  favorite  and  the  most  dan- 
gcrous  kind  of  reading,  now  adopted  by  tho 
generality  of  young  ladies.     I  say  dangerous, 
because  the  influence,  which,  with  very  few 
exceptions,  they  must  have  upon  the  passions 
of  youth,  boars  an  unfavorable  aspect  on  their 
.     purity  and  virtue.    Tho  stylo  in  which  thiy 
I     aro  written  is  commonly  captivating;  nnd  tho 
-^luxuriance  of  tho  descriptions  with  which  they 
abound,  extremely  agreeable  to  the  sprightly 
fancy ,^  and Jiiigh  expectations  i^f  tho  inexperi-* 
enccd  and  unreflecting.     Their  romantic  pic- 
tures of  lovo,  beauty,  and  magnificence,  fill 
the  imagination  with  ideas  which  lead  to  im- 
pure desires,  a  vanity  of  exterior  charms,  and 
a  fondness  for  show  and  dissipation,  by    no 
means  consistent  with  that  simplicity,  modesty, 
nnd  chastity,  which  should  bo  tho  constant  in- 


-4^. 


1 


]  THE    UOAIlDIiNO    SCHOOL.  17 

I  mates  of  tho  fcmnlo  breast.  .Thov  often  por- 
i  vert  tho  judgment,  iniHlcad  tho  QtfoctionB,  and 
j  blind  tho  undorstandin^T. 
]  *^  A  melancholy  example  of  this  sort  is  ex- 
hibited in  Juliana.  Juliana  was  tho  only 
i  daiif^hter  of  a  wealthy  merchant,  who  grudged 
:  no  cxpcnHO  wluch  could  nlcuHO  or  embellish  J 
his  darling  child,  lie,  however,  powonHod  ^"^J 
neither  leinuro  nor  tibililion  <  to  tench  tho  young  i 
idea  huw  to  nhoot ;'  but  thought  it  Huilicient  | 
that  ho  gave  her  every  advantage,  which  j; 
could  bo  derived  from  tho  various  Hchooln,  to  j; 
which  Hho  wns  consigned.  Sho  had  a  hril-  i 
liant  fancy,  und  n  fondness  for  hooka,  which,  | 
properly  directed,  might  have  proved  of  ^reat  | 
nso  to  her.  But,  having  no  better  principles  ? 
in<)tillod  into  her  mind,  she  indulged  herself  in  | 
tho  unlimited  reoding  of  novels,  and  every  | 
ligiit  publication  which  a  circulating  library  | 
^     could  furnish.  f 

*'  Ilonco  her   imogination  took  wing,  and     f 
cnrriod  her  far  above  tho  scones  of  common     i 
lifo.     The  excessive  refinement  of  her  mind 
admitted  no   ordinary  amusements  or  avoca- 
tions.    Plain  truth  from  her  own  sex  was  nn 
insult;  and  from  tho  other,  nothing  less  than 
adoration  would  satisfy  her  unbounded  vanity, 
llcr  beauty  (of  which  she  really  had  a  consi- 
derable shared  and  tho  large  fortune  which  sho 
would  probably  inherit,  gained  her  many  ad- 
mirers; somo  of  whom  were  men  of.  unquer- 
tionablo  merit.     But  a  sober,  rational  court-^ 
ship  could  not  answer  hr r  ideas  of  lovo  and 
2* 


18  THB  BOARDINO  SCHOOL. 

callantry.  The  swain,  who  would  not  die  for 
hori  she  deemed  unworthy  of  notice. 

^'  Her  father  strongly  recommended  a  gen- 
tleman, as  well  calculated,  in  his  opinion,  to 
make  her  happy,  ond  as  having  his  entire  ap- 
/  probation;  but  she  rejected  him  with  dindain, 
/  though  she  could  produce  no  one  objection 
\  against  his  nerson,  or  character. 

<<]Ier  father  acquiesced;  expressing,  how- 
ever, his  regret  ot  the  mistaken  notions  she 
had  imbibed;  and  warning  her  most  patheti- 
cally against  the  indulgence  c^so  romantic  a 
disposition;  yet  all  in  vain.  Ilo  was  consi- 
I  dered  as  an  iiliterato  plodder  after  wealth, 
1'  which  she  had  a  right  to  bestow  as  she  plcnscdt] 

"  At  lust  the  lovely  youth  whom  she  had  so 
long  contcmpluted,  made  his  appearance.  A 
military  captain  entered  the  town  on  the  re- 
cruiting Bcrvice.  Young,  Imndrtome,  easy, 
bold  and  assuming;  with  all  the  hon  ton  oi^iUo 
coxcomb,  and  uU  the  insolence  of  the  novice, 
lie  saw  Juliana;  he  sacrificed  to  her  charms, 
and  conquered.  She  could  not  resittt  the  al- 
lurements of  his  gallantry.  II is  aHcctation 
of  dying  love  was  received  with  apparent  plea- 
sure; while  art  and  duplicity  took  advantage 
of  her  weakness,  to  precipitate  her  into  en* 

igagements  to  pity  and  relievo  him.  Her 
friends  saw  her  dangorj  and  warmly  remon- 
strated against  her  imprudent  conduct,  in  re- 
ceiving the  addresses  of  u  man,  do»titute  of 
property  to  sdnport  her,  and  void  of  every 
kind  of  personal  merit,     ller  father  entreated 


THB   BOARDING   SCHOOL.  19 

and  implored  tho  rejection  of  her  lover,  till, 
I  fimlinc  every  other  method  vain,  ho  at  length  ro- 
^  solutcTy  forbade  him  tho  house,  and  his  daugh- 
ter's company.  This  was  viewed  as  persecu- 
tion; and,  consistently  with  her  sentiments  of 
adventurous  love,  a  clandestino  amour  waa 
commenced.  Her  father  surprised  them  to- 
gether; and,  enraged  at  their  disgraceful  in- 
trigue, seized  the  captain,  and  endeavored  to 
turn  him  out  of  doors.  lie  violently  resented 
thii4  ungontlemanliko  treatment,  as  he  termed 
it,  and  defended  himself  with  his  sword.  Tho 
old  gentleman  received  a  slight  wound  in  tho 
Hcuiilo;  but  accomplished  his  purpose.  Ju- 
liana was  terrified  at  this  rencounter,  and, 
dreading  her  futher^s  dinploasuro,  ran  o\tt  with 
her  paramour.  His  lodgings  wore  near,  ond 
tiiilhor,  favored  by  tho  darkness  of  tho  night, 
ho  instantly  led  her.  She  involuntarily  ibU 
lowcd  him,  without  considering  the  impropriety 
of  hur  conduct.  ] lero  ho  drew  his  sword,  and, 
throwing  himself  at  her  feet,  professed  his 
doHpair,  and  declared  himself  resolved  to  put 
an  immediate  end  to  his  life.  She  endeavored 
to  reason  him  into  cahnness;  but  in  vain.  IIo 
was  sensible,  that,  if  ho  now  relinquished  hor 
to  hor  father,  ko  should  lose  hor  forever.  Ilis 
apparent  ngony  overcame  hory  and  she  gavo 
him  her  hand. 

^*  Her  father  was  olmost  distracted  at  hor 
elopement.  Ho  traced  hor  steps,  and,  follow- 
ing her  to  tho  houso,  condescended  to  sootho 
hor  with  parontAl  kiuduoss;  und  promisod  hor 


so  TUB  BOAIIDINO  ICIIOOL. 

pardon  and  continued  afToction,  if  aho  would 
renounce  her  worthless  lovor^  and  return 
She  confessed  it  was  too  late;  that  she  was 
his  wife. 

^^  Petrified  with  astonishment,  he  looked  nt 
her,  for  some  time,  with  speechless  grief;  and« 
showing  his  arm,  bound  up  with  the  wound 
he  had  received,  led  her  with  oyory  token  o> 
anguish  and  indignation! 

^^  When  the  fever  of  passion  had  abated,  a 
returning  sense  of  duty  m  Julian^,  and,  in  the 
captain,  the  fear  of  losing  the  property  which 
he  sought,  induced  them  to  seek  a  reconcili- 
ation, and  make  submissive  efforts  to  obtain 
it.  l)ut  hor  father  was  too  highly  incensed  to 
grant  it  to  him,  on  any  terms;  or  to  her,  or 
any  other  than  the  utter  rejection  of  her  un 
worthy  companion.  These  terms  wore  not 
complied  with. 

"  Sorrow  and  vexation  preyed  so  deeply 
upon  the  mind   of  this  aillictod   parent,  fliat 
\  they  brought  on  a  rapid  decline;  and  he  died 
I  withoiit  again  Hocing  his  undutiful  and  ruined 
I  daughter.     His  estate  was  divided    between 
Juliana  and  her  four  brothers.     ]Ier  portion 
was  received  by  her  husband,  and  soon  spent 
in  dissipation  and  excess.     Having  rioted  on 
the  fortune  of  his  wife,  while  she  oilen  pined 
at  home  for  want  of  the  common  necessaries 
/  of  lifo,  ho  leti  her,  to  join  his  regiment,  pro- 
mising remittances  from  time  to  time,  for  her 
support.     This  promise,  however,  was  but  ill 
performed;  and  she  now  feels  the  dreadful  ef- 


TUB    DOABDINO   BCHOOL.  21 

fccts  of  her  folly,  in  tho  accumulated  ills  of 
poverty  nnd  neglect.  Yet  she  still  cherishes 
the  most  passionate  fondness  for  what  has 
proved  her  bane,  A  friend  called  to  see  her, 
not  long  since,  and  found  her  tho  emblem  of 
wrctcliedness  and  sloth.  Her  emaciated  form, 
her  8(iualid  appearance,  tlic  disorder  of  her  , 
Iioiiso,  and  her  tattered  raiment,  bespoke  tho 
sliurncful  negligence  of  tho  owner.  Yet  sho 
was  sitting  with  n  novel  in  her  hand,  over 
wliich  sho  had  apparently  been  weeping.  I  She 
expatiated  largely  on  the  tale  it  containod,vvhilo 
her  children,  who  exhibited  a  picture  of  real 
woe,  engaged  not  her  attention.  Her  friend 
enquired  how  sho  could  bo  thus  interested 
and  distressed  by  mere  fiction,  while  every 
thing  about  her  was  calculated  to  arouse  tho 
keenest  feelings  of  her  soul  I  Sho  coolly  ro-/ 
plied,  I  have  fortitude  sufficient  to  support  my 
own  calamity,  but  I  must  sympathize  with  tho 
heroine  of  adversity.  I  have  not  Lst  my 
sensibility  with  my  fortune.  My  only  luxury 
is  now  imagination  !  How  ill-timed,  and  how 
improperly  exerted,  was  this  kind  of  sensibili- 
ty, in  Juliana!  Where,  and  what  was  her 
sensibility,  when  sho  disobeyed  an  indulgent 
parent,  sacrificed  her  reputation,  and  threw 
herself  into  the  arms  of  a  worthless  man  for 
protection — from  what?  from  tho  kindness  and 
love  of  her  best  friends!    * 

'^  But  I  would  not  be  understood  to  con- 
demn all  novels  indiscriminately;  though  grout 
prudence  is  necessary  to  make  a  useful  aeloc- 


32  THE  BOAROINO  lOllOOL. 

tion.     Some  of  them  are  fraught  with  senti-  ' 
ment;  convey  lessons  for  moral  improvement; 
and  exhibit  striking  pictures  of  virtue  reward- 
ed; and  of  vice,  folly ,  and  indiscretion  pun- 
ished; which  may  prove  encouragements  to 
imitate,  or  warnings  to  avo*d  similar  practi-   ^ 
cos.   I  shall  not  descend  to  particulars.  Thqso,   ; 
which  are  sanctioned  by  the  general  voice]  of  I 
delicacy  and  refinement,  may  bo  allowed  a 
reading;  yet  none  should  engross  your  mind:?, 
to  the  neglect  of  more  important  objects;  nor 
be  sutfered  to  monopolize  too  largo  a  portion 
of  your  time. 

*<  Novels  are  a  kind  of  light  reading,  on 
which  the  ima^nntion  feasts,  while  the  more 
substantial  foodwhlch  is  ronuisito  to  the  nour- 
ishment of  the  understanding,  is  either  un- 
y  tasted  or  undigested.     Imagination  is  a  spor- 
//  tivo  faculty,  which  should  be  curbed  by  the 
\^  reins  of  prudence  and  judgment.     Its  sallies 
are  delightful  in  youth,  provided  they  be  not 
too  excursive. 

"  Poetry  is,  by  some,  ranked  with  novels; 
but  I  think  injudiciously.  Good  poetry  i^ 
certainly  a  sublime  source  of  entertainment 
and  instruction.  >Vhat  puisic  is  to  the  ear, 
poetry  is  to  the  heart.  There  must,  indeed, 
DO  a  natural  taste  for  it,  before  it  can  be  high- 
ly relished  or  enjoyed;  and  this  tustg.  whoro- 
ever  it  exists,  should  be  cultivated.  \  I  know 
of  no  kind  of  reading  moFo  rTclily  formed  for 
the  mental  repast  oi  a  liberal  and  polished 
young  Tadyi  than  the  poetical  productions  of 


i 


"  ""■'"' — ■■'■'■■"■■"    ■■     II  ttmm, 

TflE  BOAIIDING  SCHOOL.  23 

true  f^onius.  The  trilling  and  indolicatc  can- 
tos of  ordinary  witlings,  and  every  day  poo- 
j  tasters,  aro  unworthy  your  attention.  But  the 
{  species  of  poetry  which  I  now  recommend,  is 
I  peculiarly  adapted  toLsoflen  the  passions,  ox- 
I  cite  sympathy,  and  meliorate  the  aftections.j 
i  It  soothes  tho  jarring  cares  of  life,  and,  per- 
I  vadiiig  tho  secret  recesses  of  tho  soul,  serves 
\  to  rouse  and  animate  its  dormant  powers. 
J  **  Many  essays,  written  hy  monitors  of  both 
I  sexes,  are  extant,  which  you  may  find  profita- 
\  bio  and  pleasing,  both  in  youth  and  more  ud- 
*  vnnccd  ago.  Among  tho  foremost  of  these, 
-  I  mention  Mrs.  Chapono's  letters  to  her  niece, 
;  which  contaiiTa  valuable  treasure  of  informa- 
tion and  advice.  v 

**  But  among  your  hours  devoted  to  read- 
ing, history  must  not  be  without  a  placo. 
Hero  an  cis^tenaive  field  of  ages  and  genera- 
tions, which  have  gone  before  you,  is  opened 
to  your  view.  Here  your  curiosity  may  bo 
gratified  by  a  retrospection  of  events,  which, 
1  by  conducting  your  thoughts  to  remotest 
ciiincs  and  periods,  interests  and  enlarges  tho 
mind.  J I  ere  the  various  revolutions,  tho  riso, 
fall,  and  dismemberment  of  ancient  king- 
doms and  states  may  bo  traced  to  the  dif- 
ferent springs  of  action,  in  which  they  origi- 
nntod.  Hence  you  may  gain  a  competent 
acquaintance  with  human  nature  in  all  itsmo- 
diiications,  from  tho  most  rude  and  barbarous, 
to  tho  most  civilized  and  polished  stages  of 
society.     This   U  a  species  of  knowlodgOy 


24  TRB  BOAttDIMO  tOHOOL. 

which  will  not  only  bo  of  constant  use  to  you,  [ 
/   in  tho  government  of  your  own  temper  and  ; 
\    mannorsybut  higlily  ornuunental  in  your  inter-  f 
course  with  thfTpoTitQ  and  learned  world,         \ 
*^  Aut  lot  your  reading  of  every  description  ' 
bo  regular  and  methodical.     Never  confuse 
your  minds  by  a  variety  of  subjects  at  once. 
When  you  turn  your  attention  to  any  ono  io 
particular,  iiniish,  and  lay  that  aside,  before    ' 
you  take  up  another.     Let  what  you  read  be 
I  well  understood  at  the  time,  and  well  digested 
'  aflorwarda.  Possess  yourselves,  at  least,  of  the 
leading  traits:  otherwise  your  labor  will  bo 
totally  lost.     If  convenient,  always  recapitu- 
late what  you  have  been  perusing,  and  annex 
to  it  your  own  sentiments  and  remarks,  to 
some  friend.     If  you  have  no  friend  at  Iiand, 
who  will  bo  disposed  to  henr,  recollect,  atid 
run  it  over  in  your  own  thoughts.     This  will 
be  a  great  assistance  to  memory.     But  wlmt- 
over  bo  tho  kind  of  rending  which  you  under- 
take, select  such  authors  as  good  judges  es- 
teem tho  best,  upon  the   subject.     Have  a 
particular  regard  to  tho  morality  and  delicacy 
of  tho  books  you  peruse. 
/      "  Whon  you   read   for   mere   amusement, 
Y  (which  sliould  seldom  happen)  be  careful  not 
I  )  to  corrupt  and  vitiate  your  taste  by  frothy  and 
I  /  illibcrar  performances,  which  will  degru<lo  the 
i  \  dignity  and  sully  tho  purity  of  your  minds. 
1      That  time  is  very  greatly  misspent,  which  is 
j     bestowed  in  reading  what  can  yield  no  instruc- 
tion.    Not  a  moment^s  attention   should  be 


TII£  DOARDINO  SCHOOL.  25 

given  to  books  which  afford  not  some  degroo 
of  improvement.  jAlways  have  an  cyOj  there- 
fore, to  profit,  as  well  as  to  pleasurpi  llo- 
inembcr  that  youth  is  the  sced-timo  of  life. 
You  are  now  to  cuitivato  that  knowledge^ 
which  future  years  must  ripen.  Free  from 
those  domestic  cares,  which  will  engross  and  \ 
occupy  your  minds,  when  placed  at  the  head  \ 
of  fanrihes,  a  most  inestimable  price  is  now 
put  into  your  hands  to  get  wisdom.  Now  you 
may  learn;  then  you  must  practice. 

"  Now,  therefore,  lay  up  in  store  some  pro- 
vision for  every  exigence,  some  embellishment 
for  every  station. 

<<  Look  upon  Elvira.    Her  acquirements  in 
a  Hinglo  state  have  qualified  her  for  a  shining 
pattern  of  matronal  duties,     ller  husband's 
buflincHs  abroad  prevents  him  from  attending 
todumcbtic  avocations;  nor  need  hobo  onx- 
iouH  respecting  the  management  of  his  house-  y 
hold  afiairs.     Elvira  is  present  to  every  oo-  , 
caition.     The  suporintendonco  of  her  family, 
and  the  education  of  her  children  is  her  do- 
light.    Capable  of  instructing  them  in  every 
needful  branch  of  science,  and  of  furnishing 
them  with  every  requisite  endowment,  she  is, 
at  once,  their  guide,  their  example,  and  their 
friend.     When  her  husband  returns  from  the^v 
cares  and  fatigues  of  business,  with  what  be-   i 
coming  ease  and  cheerfulness  does  she  dissi-  v 
pate  the  anxiety  which  sometimes  hangs  upon    ^ 
his  brow,  and  exhilarate  his  spirits  by  the  en-    i 
liveDing  cbarmi  of  rational  and  refined  cohi-/ 
3  ^ 


S6  TtIB  BOARDINO  SCHOOL.  i 

fvemation!      In    the    entertainment  of  their  i 
friends,  how  difltingiiished  a  part  she  sustains!  I 
Her  powers  of  mind  have  been  so  happily  im-  f 
proved,  that  she  is  able  to  discuss  overv  sub-  I 
ject  with  ease  and  propriety.    To  an  enlarged  ; 
understanding  and  a  cultivated  taste,  to  an  ex*  ) 
tensive  knowledge  of  the  world  and  an  ac-  i 
quaintance  with  polite  literature,  she  supcraddi^i  I 
those  amiable  virtues,  which  give  society  its  \ 
highest  relish;  while  the  elegance  of  her  man-  \. 
ners  and  the  modesty  of  her  dojmrtmcnt  are  a 
nroof  of  the  greatness  of  her  inind,  and  render 
her  esteemed,  beloved,  and  respected  by  all 
who  know  her, 

"  But  r  flatter  myself  that  each  of  you,  my 
dear  pupils,  will  be  an  Elvira.  Then  will  you  do 
justice  to  the  superior  advutituges  of  your  edu- 
cation; 1)0  the  delight  of  your  friends,  and  the 
ornaments  of  your  country^  '  . 

**  Iloliijious  subjects  must,  by  no  mouns,  be 
,  neglected  in  the  course  of  your  reading.    Lot 
the  Wuw.v,  be  the  rule  of  your  faith  and  prac- 
tice.    If  you  wi.sh  an  explanation  of  any  par- 
ticular passages,  seek  it  from  some  judicious 
and  pious  friend,  or  in  the  writings  of  some 
judicious    and    learned    commentator.      llut 
always  attend  chiefly   to  those   noints  which 
serve  to  mend  the  heart,  rather  than  to  those 
.      knotty,  metaphysical  disrpiisiticms,  which  tend 
I      only  to  perplex  the  understanding,  and  involve 
I      the  Inquirer  in  such  labyrinths  of  abstrusity. 
4      as  are  above  huniuii  comprehension,  and  be- 
yond human   concern.      The   essential  doc- 


!  TUB  DOAIIDINO  SCHOOL.  71 

tiiuoA  Qni\  procoptfl  of  tho  gospel  oro  lovol  to 
t  vrry  cnpncity;  and  upon  n  lifo  and  convor- 
Hution  (governed  by  thosO|  our  hopoH,  both  of 
present  peiico  and  future  glory,  muHt  bo  fuund- 
(d.  **  lie  huth  8bo\vcd  thco  whut  in  good; 
ut)d  what  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but 
to  do  ju8tly,  nnd  to  love  niorcy^  ond  to  wolk 
humbly  with  thy  God,'' 


Tuesday,  Jl,  M, 
WRITING  AND  ARITHMETIC. 

The  young  ladies  being  seated,  this  morn- 
ing, thoir  preceptress  addressed  them  as  foI« 
lows.  ,    L 

**  Writing  is  productive  both  of  pleasure 
and  improvement.  It  is  a  source  of  onter- 
tainmi^nt  which  enlarges  the  mental  powers 
more,  nerhaps,  than  any  other.  The  mind  is 
ubiigou  to  exertion  for  materials  to  supply  tho 
pen.  Ilcnco  it  collects  now  stores  of  know- 
ledge, and  is  enriched  by  its  own  labors.  It 
iinporceptibly  treasures  up  the  ideas,  which 
tho  hand  improssoB.  An  opportunity  is  fur- 
nished of  reviewing  our  sentiments  before 
thoy  oro  exposed;  and  we  have  tho  privilege 
of  correcting  or  expunging  such  as  are  erro- 
neous.   For  this  Aurposo^  you  will  find  it  t 


^m% 


28  THl  BOARDIMO  ICHOOU  ! 

good  method  to  collect  and  write  your  thought! 
upon  nny  subject  that  occurs;  for  by  repeat- 
edly arranging  and  revising  your  expressioni  > 
and  opinions^  you  may  daily  improve  them, 
and  loam  to  think  and  reason  properly  oo 
every  occasion.  By  this  moan  vou  may  like- 
wise provide  yourselves  with  a  fund  of  matter 
for  future  use,  which,  without  this  assistance, 
the  memory  would  not  retain.  It  will  be  of 
great  service  to  note  down  in  your  common- 
place book  such  particulars  as  you  may  judge 
worth  remembering,  with  your  own  observa- 
tions upon  them.  This  will  bo  a  kind  of 
amusement  which  will  exercise  your  thinking 
powers  at  the  time,  and  by  recurring  to  it  at- 
terwards^  it  may  afford  you  many  useful  hint;^. 

"The  frequent  use  of  the  pen  is  calculotcd 
to  refine  and  enlarge  your  understandings. 
Ilavit)  you  anv  talent  at  composition  ?  it  wil! 
bo  increased  by  cultivation. 

"  Neglect  no  opportunity,  therefore,  which 
your  leisure  affords,  of  delighting  your  friends, 
and  accomplishing  yourselves  by  the  exerciBC 
of  your  f^cnius  in  this  way. 

*'  Thrice  blessed  are  we,  the  happy  dauglw 
ters  of  this  land  of  liberty,  where  the  fern* '/ 
mind  is  unshackled  by  the  restraints  of  tyran- 
nical custom,  which  in  many  other  region?* 
confines  the  exertions  of  genius  to  the  usurp- 
^  cd  powers  of  lordly  man!  Here  virtue,  merit, 
and  abilities  are  properly  estimated  undc 
whatever  form  they  appear.  Here  the  widely 
extended  fields  of  literature  court  attention 


TUB    DOAIlDlIfO    SCHOOL.  29 

ami  tho  Amoricnn   fnir  arc  invited  to  cull  the 
llowers,  utid  culiivato  tho  expanding  laurel. 

**  But  tho  Bpccios  of  writing,  whiclMB  oj)on_ 
i)  every  capucit)',   nnJ  urnatuontal  to  ovorjr 
station,  \H  ilui  cpistohiry.     Tins,  between  par- 
ticuUir  fricndn,  is  highly  ngrccablo  and  inter- 
esting.    It  is  a  method  of  interchanging  scn-^     ^ 
limcntf^,  and  of  enjoying  intercourse  with  those  (. 
from  whom  you   are   Ihr  removed,  which  is  a    j 
linppy  fluhwtituto  for   ncrsonal  conversation.  -^ 
hi  a  corrcBpondenco  of  this  sort,  all  aflccta- 
tion,  formality,  and  bombast  should  be  laid 
aside.  ^    I, 

"  Kji^o,  frankness,  simplicity,  and  sincerity  ^  *  r 
«*hoiihl  ho  its  leading  traits.  let  lot  not  your  J  f: 
letters  he  composed  of  mere  sounding  terms, 
nnd  vcrhoso  egotism;  but  intermix  sentiment 
with  expression,  in  such  a  manner  as  may  bo 
improving  as  well  as  pleosing.  Letteri  of 
fricntlship  should  conduce  no  less  to  tho  od- 
viiiitogo  than  entertainment  of  the  person  od- 
drcsscd;  and  mero  cursory  letters,  of  general 
ncquuintanco,  must,  at  least,  bo  written  with 
propriety  and  occuracy.  Tho  formation  of 
tho  characters,  tho  spelling,  tho  punctuation, 

,  as  well  as  tho  stylo  and  sense,  must  bo  attond- 

'  cdto. 

**  Never  omit  noticing  the  receipt  of  letters, 
imlcss  you  mean  to  affront  tho  >\riter«.  Not 
to  answer  a  letter,  without  being  able  to  as- 
sign somo  special  reason  for  the  neglect  is 
equally  unpardonable  as  to  keep  filonco  when 
conversation  is  addressed  to  you  in  perion. 
3# 


90  THE  BOARDINO   tOUOOL. 


i 


;  *  ^*  By  habitu AtiDg  youinelvet  to  writing,  what 
"t/^^'lnayy  at  first,  appear  a  task,  will  become  ex- 
^   ^  tremely  pleasant.    Refuse  not,  then,  to  im- 

Srove  this  part  of  your  education,  especially 
y  your  frequent  and  dutifully  affectionate 
epistles  to  your  parents,  when  absent  from 
them.  Express  your  gratitude  for  their  care, 
and  convince  them  it  has  not  been  lost  upon  f 
you.  [ 

^^  Always  employ  your  pens  upon  something  | 
useful  and  refined.  Let  no  light  or  loose  \ 
compositions  occupy  your  time  and  thoughts;  \ 
^  but  remember  that  what  you  utter  in  this  way  . 
[^is  in  some  measure  the  picture  of  your  hearts.  | 
Virtue  forbid,  thut  this  favorite  employment  ! 
should  be  dingraced  by  impurity,  indelicacy,  1 
or  tho  communication  of  vicious  and  ignoble  [ 
sentiments! 


^ 


'*  One  of  the  snges  of  antiquity  being  asked 
why  he  was  so  long  in  writing  his  opinion,  re- 
plied, *  I  am  writing  for  futurity.' 
^^^      "  Your   characters   during    life,  ond  even 
^  when  you  shall  sleep  in  the  dust,  may  rest  on 
the  eflbrts  of  your  pens.     Beware  then  how   | 
you  employ  them.     Let  not  the  merit  of  your    i 
attainments  in  this  noble  art  be  degraded  bv 
improper  subjects  for  its  exercise.     Suffer  not 
1  tho  expectation  of  secresy  to  induce  you  to    -^ 
:^^  indulge  your  pens  upon  subjects,  which  you 
would  blush  to  have  exposed.     In  this  way 
your  characters  may  be  injured,  and  your  hap- 
piness destroyed. 
<<  Celia  and  Cecilia  were  companions  at  t 


TU£    BOARDING  SCHOOL.  31 

boarding  school.  Whon  separated,  they  com- 
tncncod  an  opistolary  corroflpondonco,  on 
which  each  valued  horsolf.  Their  formor  in- 
timacy which  they  termed  friendship,  prompt- 
ed them  to  writo  with  unlimited  conndence; 
and,  without  the  least  reserve,  to  reveal  every 
dictate  of  levity  and  thoughtless  folly.  They 
imagined  themselves  perfectly  secure  from  the 
censure  of  tho  critio.  Their  education  bad  '^ 
not  taught  them,  that  a  virtuous  mind  should  \ 
shrink  even  from  ideal  indelicacy.  Celia  was  ' 
courted  by  Silvander,  a  young  man  of  whom 
she  was  passionately  fond  ;  but  she  had  art 
and  resolution  enough  to  conceal  her  letters 
from  his  inspoction,  though  he  oflen  solicited 
a  communication  of  her  correspondence.  At 
length  he  became  impatient  for  ti  perusal  of 
letters  which  appeared  so  pleasing  and  inter- 
esting to  the  parties,  and  suspicious  that  some 
particular  cause  directed  their  privacy.  In- 
fluenced by  these  motives,  Silvander  bribed  a 
market-boy,  who  came  from  the  village  where 
Cecilia  lived,  and  always  conveyed  the  letters 
to  and  from  her,  to  give  them  first  into  his 
hand.  How  astonished  was  ho  to  find  tho 
lightness  of  mind  exemplified  in  them!  Puri- 
ty of  sentiment,  delicacy  of  thought,  and  re- 
tincmcnt  of  taste  were  entirely  laid  aside;  and 
illiberal  wit,  frothy  jests,  double  entendres, 
aud  ridiculous  love-tales  were  substituted  in 
their  place.  His  name  was  used  with  so  much 
freedom,  and  every  circumstance  relative  to 
his  intercoursOy  and  proposed  connexion  with 


i 


32  THR   BOARDIIfO   lONOOL. 

Colin^  wail  bandied  with  8uch  familiarity,  that 
ho  was  mortified,  disgusted,  and  chagrined, 
in  the  extreme,  lie  hud  the  policy,  howev-  } 
or,  to  conceal  the  dtucovory  till  ho  hud  copied  a  f 
contfidcruble  number  of  CoIIu'm  letters,  leaving  ^ 
out  whatever  had  reference  to  hiH  own  nilUirji.  ^ 
lie  then  revenged  himself  by  diMcloning  IiIh 
knowledge  to  her,  avowing  his  indignation  at 
her  weaknosfl,  duplicity  and  lolly,  and  taking 
an  iinmodiatu  und  fmal  leave.  Not  content 
with  tlilrt,  he  even  circulated  her  letters  among 
hh  acquaintance.  This  fixed  the  stamp  of 
ignominy  on  tho  correspondents  ;  and  their 
names  and  characters  were  rendered  as  ridicu- 
lous as  scandal  and  malicious  wit  could  de- 
sire. 

**  Celia  was  almost  distracted  at  tho  loss  of 
her  lover;  but  when  sho  found  tho  method  ho 
hud  taken  to  punish  her  indiscretion,  ond  that 
her  reputation  was  thus  materially  injured,  she 

('  secluded  herself,  in  a  great  measure,  from 
society,  llcr  sensibility  received  a  wound 
which  could  never  be  healed;  and  she  livot? 
find  died  in  melancholy,  regret,  and  obscurity. 
"  However  censurable  the  unjust  and  un- 
generous conduct  of  Silvandor  may  be  deem- 
ed, yet  no  adequate  excuse  can  be  offered  for 
tho  young  ladies,  who  dishonored  their  pens 
and  their  talents  by  n  most  improper  and  un- 
becoming use  of  both. 

"  Next  to  writing,  arithmetic  usually  claims 
nltention.  Tiiis  is  absolutely  necessary  in 
every  department,  and  in  every  stage  of  life 


TUB    DOARDINO   SCHOOL.  33 

Even  in  youth,  tno  proper  Brrangomcnt  of 
your  expenses  will  conduce  greatly  to  your 
advanTage  ;  and  when  placed  at  the  head  of 
families,  it  will  be  very  friendly  to  the  order 
and  econoiny  of  your  domestic  affairs.  But, 
leaving  your  matronal  conduct  to  future  ad- 
monition, many  benefits  result  from  keeping 
regular  accounts  in  a  single  state.  Your  pa- 
rents allow  you  a  certain  sum  for  your  own 
private  use.  Fashion  and  folly  are  always 
busy  in  creating  innumerable  imaginary  wants, 
J  which  must  exceed  your  finances,  if  you  do 
f  not  attend  to  an  exact  adjustment  of  your  ex- 
penditures. For  this  purpose,  always  calcu- 
late your  immediate  and  most  necessary  de- 
mands. Let  these  bo  first  supplied,  and  then 
if  your  funds  bo  not  exhausted,  more  super- . 
fluous  ones  may  occupy  your  thoughts.  There 
is  one  claim,  however,  which  must  not  bo  neg- 
lected, and  that  is  charity.  You  will,  there- 
fore, manage  your  expenses  in  such  a  manner 
as  to  reserve  somo  portion  of  your  income  for 
the  necessitous.  Should  you  think  your  al- 
lowance insufficient  to  admit  the  children  of 
want  to  a  share,  let  your  benevolence  plead 
for  the  retrenchment  of  some  triffing  article 
which  you  may  dispense  with,  without  much 
inconvenience;  and  the  exquisite  pleasure  re- 
Nulting  from  the  bestowmont,  will  more  than 
counterbalance  the  saorifice.  In  these,  and 
many  other  particulars,  a  knowledge  of  arith- 
roetic  will  enable  you  to  conduct  the  affairs  of 
youth  with  ease,  advantage,  and  usefulness. 


94  THB  boahdino  iohool. 

And^  perhaps,  as  you  ndvanco  in  years,  and 
are  collod  to  fill  more  important  stations,  you 
may  find  it  of  ritill  ^roator  utility. 

**  The  i'atlicr  ol'  Lucindti  was  in  oawy  cii- 
eumstanccs,  wlillu  lio  could  porrurm  the  du- 
ties and  enjoy  the  profits  of  a  lucra  ive  busl* 
ncss.  lie  was  the  aQectionnto  parent  of  a 
numerous  family,  to  >vhoso  education  and  im- 
provement he  attended  with  unwouriud  dili- 
genoo  and  i)leuMUi'o;  till  rvpcnited  Jussos  in 
trade,  and  (1iHa|)pointmentH  in  tils  worldly  vx- 
neetntions  omhiirraHHcd  his  nilairs,  depresHcd 
his  Bpiritfl,  and  impaired  his  health.  In  tlio 
midst  of  these  diiliculties,  his  amiable  and  be- 
loved wife  wns  removed  by  death.  This  triul 
was  greater  thnn  ho'conld  support,  Ho  sunk 
under  the  nflliction,  and  lost  nis  reason.  Lu- 
cinda  was  tho  eldcnt  of  six  children,  the  euro 
of  whom,  with  the  melancholy  tusk  of  attend- 
ing; and  ministering  to  the  necessities  of  her 
unhappy  father,  devolved  on  her.  She  looked 
upon  tho  wo-iraught  scene,  and  wept.  )Ior 
heart  was  sinking  undi^r  the  weight  of  grief; 
and  hope,  tho  \wM  soother  of  the  unfortuiuitni 
had  nearly  abandoned  her.  Hho  advised  with 
her  friends,  who  ))roposed  to  relieve  tho  family 
by  moans  (»f  a  subscripti(m.  Lucinda  thanked 
them  for  their  prollered  kindness,  and  returned 
to  her  disconsolnte  habitation.  She  delibera- 
ted on  the  projected  nieanure;  which  nbe  eon- 
ridered  nniHl  l)0  hIow,  uncertain,  and,  iit  any 
rate,  inadeipialo  to  their  future  exigtiiccn. 
She  could  not  reconcile  hurs<df  to  tho  idea  of 


THE  doahdino  school.  *  3y5M-^ 

her  father's  dcpcndinc  on  charity  for  subsist-^*^  ^ 
once.     Yet  what  could  bo  done?  Ono  resource  ,,  •  .,v>i 
Mil)'  remained ; — her  own  exertions.    By  these 
she  flattered  herself,  that  she  might  save  the 
tainily  from  sullbring  want,  and  discharge  the 
cbligations  she  owed  to   her  revered   parent. 
■  iler  cducation,by  which, among  other  branches 
;  of  learning,  she  had  been  well  instructed  in 
'■  arithmetic,    (that   being  her  father^s  favorite 
study)  qualified  her  for  this  undertaking.    She 
Ihcreforc    devoted    herself  to    tho    business 
without  delay;  examined  her  father's  accounts, 
;  collected  whatever  remained  that  was  vulua- 
hle;  sokUhe  superfluous  moveables,  and  pur- 
chased a  small  stock  for  trade.     All  who  knew 
j  her  motives  and  merit   IVequcnted  her  shop, 
and  encouraged  her  by  their  custom  and  kind- 
ness.   By  this  mean,  together  with  her  judi-  ^ 
I  cious  management,  and  engaging    behavior, 
flic  increased  her  business  to  such  a  degree,     \  ■ 
as  to  support  tho  family  with  case  and  rcputa-      )  ^ 
tion. 

"  Her  discreel  and  dutiful  conduct  to  her 
father,  soon  restored  him  to  his  reason. 

**  When  ho  found  how  prudently  and  nflcc- 
tionutcly  Lucinda  hod  exerted  herself  in  his 
behalf,  ho  exclaimed,  "  Many  daughters  have 
done  virtuously,  but  thou  cxcellcst  them  all!" 
"  Ho  resumed  his  former  business,  and  lived 
to  BOO  his  children  oil  well  provided  for,  and 
happily  settled  around  kim.^' 


96  mn  boardiiio  school*  | 

Tue$day^  P.  M.     i 
MUSIC  AND  DANCING. 


I 


Hm  pupils  having  taken  thoir  pUcoS|  Mri. 
WilliRms  proooodcd. 

^^  In  musio  and  dancing  you  havo  made  such 
proficiency  that  your  porrormanccs  must  bi 
very  pIcoKing  to  your  friends^  bcroro  whom 
you  occasionally  exhibit. 

^^  As  dancing  is  i\n  uccomplishmont  merely  ; 
oxtornnly  lot  not  tho  vanity  of  oxcollonco  in  ^ 
it  betray  itself  in  an  oir  of  conscious  supcri- 1 
ority^  when  vou  shino  at  the  boll,  and  per- 1 
coivo  yourselves  to  hove  attracted  the  otlen-  [ 
tion  ond  aitplauno  of  tho  \^f\y  uHHonibly.     Jiut  ; 
in  tho  miurtt  of  hilarity  and  mirth,  rcmcmbc^ 
i  that  modesty,  difliduncc,  discretion,  and  hu- 
mility ore  iiidisponsablo  appcudogcs  of  virtue 
and  decency. 

<<  Music  is  a  talent  which  nature  has  be- 
stowed, and  which  your  application  hos  consid- 
orobly  improved.     It  has  u  powerful  influence 
over  tho  lieurt;  wonderfully  soothos  and  Iju- 
;  manizes  tho  passions,  ond  is  a  source  of  refin- 
ed pleasure  to  a  mind  copablo  of  tosting  its 
charms. 
^        "  Never  refuse  gratifying  your  friends  by 
tho  exertion  of  your  obilitios  in  performing, 
unless  for  somo  SQty  special  reason.     Thou^H 
I  would  not  hove  you  vain  of  your  skill,  one 
ofTiciously  forward  to  display  it*,  yet  tho  aiVcc- 


THE    DOAHDIiNQ   SCHOOL.  37 

(allon  of  uncommon  modesty,  and  ignornncOj 
is  truly  ridiculous.  To  pload  inability  to  ox- 
irciso  powers,  which  you  aro  conscious  of  pos- 
sessing;, and  for  which  you  wish  to  bo  esteem- 
ed and  honored  by  others,  is  Talse  delicacy, 
and  will  never  pain  admission  to  the  breast 
where  tiiat  which  is  genuine  resides.  How 
perfectly  absurd  it  is  for  a  young  lady,  who 
i-<  politely  requested  to  entertain  a  company 
with  her  musical  talents,  to  declare  them  so 
siiiiill  that  she  is  really  ashamed  to  expose 
hcriulf  before  such  good  judges;  or  that  sho 
has  neglected  playing,  or  singing,  for  some 
lirnc,  and  cannot  immediately  revive  her  dor- 
innnt  skill;  or  that  she  has  forgotten  her 
tunos,  or  songs;  or  that  she  has  a  bad 
cold;  (which  none  but  herself  perceives,)  and 
ii  imablo  to  sing;  or  that  sho  is  loath  to 
begin  this  amusement,  and  must  insist  up* 
on  Homo  other  lady's  setting  tho  example; 
which  other  lady  has,  in  her  turn,  an  equal 
number  of  oxcuses  I  T(ius  the  [time  of  th« 
company  is  engrossed^  and  their  pleasure 
saspcnded,  till  a  long  train  of  arguments, 
entreaties,  and  compliments  aro  run  through, 
and  her  vanity  fully  gratified  by  the  most  flat- 
toring  and  importunate  solicitations. 

^^Then,  elate  with  pride  and  self  importanco, 
she  condescends  to  grant  their  request;  not 
considering  bow  far  she  has  derogated  from 
hor  own  merit  by  the  futile  artifice  she  has 
cinplo^'cd;  an  artifice  unworthy  of  an  ingenu* 
0U9  mind,  and  disgraceful  to  any  lady  who  has 
arrived  to  years  of  discretion. 
4 


9S  THB  BOARDING   BCROOt.  f 

*^  Let  \xn  view  this  evattve  manner  of  seek-  ' 
tng  compliments  a  little  nearer.     When  a  per- 
Hon  if  known  to  be  mistrcAs  of  thiA  deliglaful  \ 
art|  what  can  be  her  motive  for  delaying  the 
gratiHcation  of  her  friends  by  its  exorcise,  and 
refusing  a  compliani:o  with  Ihcir  wishes,  till 
their  patience  is  exhausted  ?   I  believe  thot 
€)xcusoS|  in  this  case,  are  very  seldom  sincere 
The  youthful  mind  is  not  insensible  to  praise, 
nor  indiflcrcnt  to  the  means  of  obtaining  it. 

"  Why  then  should  it  not  bo  received  an<^ 

increased  by  a  ready  and  obliging  compliance? 

^  A  desire  to  plcaso  is  usually  attended  with 

success;  and  for  what  reason 'should  the  pow* 

er  and  disposition  bo  artfully  concealed? 

}      **  Always  preserve  a  frankness  and  sincerity 

I  in  your  actions  and  designs.     These  will  add 

i  dignity  to  your  condescensions^  and  graceful- 

j  ness  to  your  deportment. 

"  Rise  superior  to  those  little  arts  which 

bespeak  the  fmesso  of  a  childish  folly,  or  a 

narrow  mind.     Do  honor  to  this,  ns  well  as  to 

'  every  other  part  of  your  cducotion,  by  octing 

conformably  to  the  precepts  which  havo  been 

given  you,  the   knowledge  which  you  have 

acquired,  and  the  opportunities  with  which 

you  may  be  furnished  for  the  purpose^ 

.  '^  Music  and  dancing,   though  polite  and 

elegant  accomplishments,  are,  perhaps,  the 

most  fascinating,  and,  of  course,  the  most  dan- 

fforous  of  any  that  fall  under  that  description. 

I  >Vhen  indulged  to  excess,  beside  engrossinjc 

I  lauch  time  which  ought  to  be  employed  in  th» 


/ 

I  ttin   B0AnDI5O   ICIIOOL.  S9 

rxecution  of  moro  necessary  and  useful  do- 
signs,  they  sometimes  allure  their  fond  vota- 
riori  from  that  purity  and  rectitude  which  are 
the  chief  enihcllishmcnts  of  the  female  char- 
I  nctcr.  They  Iny  the  mind  open  to  many 
^  tcinptfilions,  and,  by  nourishing  a  frivoloua 
vanity,  l^cnumb  the  nobler  powers  both  of  ro-; 
ilcction  and  action.  ^ 

^*  TiCvitia  was  endowed,  by  the  joint  influ* 
tnco  of  nnturo  and  art,  with  these  pleasing 
cluii  fiH.  Symnretry  was  perfected  in  her  form ; 
nrul  hor  voice  ^tih  melody  itself,  ufcr  parents 
^cro  not  in  aflluent  circumHtor^ctJs;  yctlheir 
taste  led  thorn  to  distinguish  those  graces  and 
iHlcnts  in  their  daughter,  which  they  injudi- 
ciously flattered  themselves  migiit,  one  day, 
raise  her  to  aflluence  and  fame.;  Hence  they 
i^parod  no  pains  nor  expense,  in  their  power 
to  bestow,  to  Assist  her  mclination  and  gratify 
iicr  Tvislie.^.  As  she  advanced  in  years,  sho 
nMsidiiously  cuUivated  and  diligently  improved 
IhcKo  rndowmcnts  which  she  had  been  crronc- 
oufily  encouraged,  and  even  taught,  to  consid- 
vr  most  valuable.  To  adorn  her  person,  reg- 
tilote  her  movements,  and  practise  her  music, 
was  all  her  care.  Nor  had  sho  a  wish  beyond 
iho  pleasures,  which  she  fancied  they  could 
yield.  Her  mind  resembled  a  garden,  in 
which  the  useful  plants  were  overrun  and 
choked  by  noxious  woods.  Herb  and  there 
a  gaudy  flowur  reart  its  brilliant  head,  and 
proudly  darcn  to  arrotl  tho  eye;  whilo  th« 
delicate  and  useful  lie  buried  «nd  eoncealod  ia 
the  surrounding  waste! 


40  TIIS   BOiRDINO   BCtlOOL.  ^ ; 

/     **  Flattery  wa»  pleasing  to  hor  ear,  in  what- 
j  ever   form   it  was   presented.     The  pay  and 
,  I    licentious  sought  her  society;  and  vanity  vith  I 
1    its  attondont  train  of  follies  led  her  imngioa-  i 
\  tion  far  from  the  sphere  of  life  vhich  Provi-  f 
^  dence  had  assigned  her.     Her  parents  paw  [ 
their  own  mistake,  and  were  alarmed  at  heft   | 
but,  alas!  too    late   were  their  endeavpj:*  to  | 
prevent  the  mischiefs  which  impended.  tTh^^'  |  ■ 
could  not  supply  her  unbounded  wants;  and  V 
therefore  to  gratify  her   ruling  passion,  nhc  * 
deemed  means  of  her  own  invention  indispcn*  |^ 
sabloTl  Among  her  admirers  was  a  foreigner,  ? 
who,  (ailing  ot   success  in  his  own   country* 
sought  a  Bubsistenco  in  ours,  from  the  stn^t.  t 
lie   know   Lovitin's    talents.     These    mifiht  ^ 
give  her  the  palm  of  applause,  and  in  his  way  | 
of  life,  render   her  conH])icuou8.     This  pinn  ^ 
ho  communicated  to  her,  insidiously  oHbring 
to  become  her  guardian,  and  to  put  her  under   ) 
!        the  protection  of  such  friends  as  should  dc* 
j        fend  hor  honor,  and  ensure  her  success.     Slic 
J!       was  pleased  with  the   project.     ^V holly  un- 
j        acquainted  with  tho  world,  and  unHusptciouA 
j*'^  of  the   subtle  nrts  of  tho  deluding  libertine, 
j  (    sho  scrupled  not  his  veracity,  but  listened  to 
[|    )  his  insinuating  declarations  of  love  and  friend- 
I  /    ship.     She  was  deceived  by  tho  vanity  of  ap- 
i  ■  \  pcaring  where  her  fancied  merit  would  meet 
'll'       with  the  encounigcmcnt  and  reward  it  deserv- 
ed;  and  vainly    imagining   that   her   beauty 
might  secure  her  elevation  and  aflluence,  shf 
itji       readily   consented  to  the   fatal   experiment. 


*riifi  uoahdino  school.  At 

tlupcd  from  her  fathcr'd  house,  and  becamo 
Q  professed  actress. 

*^Rer  poronts  woro  overwhelmed  With  grio'f 
and  anxiety,  at  tho  discovery;  but  to  no  pur- 
pose wcro  all  their  exertions  to  reclaim  her. 
She  htid  Icll  them,  no  more  to  leturn;  loft  ' 
thum^  too,  with  tho  heart-rending  rcflectioni 
that  they  themselves  had  heedlessly  contribu- 
ted to  her  disgrace  and  ruin.  But  bitter  in- 
ilccd  wcro  tho  fruits  of  her  disobcdicnco  and 
rcjlJyl 

il^Sho  mado  her  anpcarance  on  the  stage. 
She  Hun^  and  danced,  fur  which  she  was  ca- 
rcs.<cd,  rtuttercd,  and  paid.  A  licentious  modo 
of  lifo  quadrating  with  tho  levity  of  Ircr  hoari, 
•oon  lell  her  a  prey  to  seduction.  Her  gaiety 
and  beauty  gained  her  many  votaries,  and  she  ) 
became  a  complete  courtezan.  ]  ^ 

^^  In  tho  midst  of  this  career,  her  mother 
died  of  a  broken  heart,  evidently  occasioned 
by  her  undutiful  ond  vicious  conduct.  A 
i»ense  of  her  ingratitude  to  her  parents,  and 
her  shameless  manner  of  lifo  struck  her  mind, 
not  naturally  unfeeling,  with  such  force,  as  to 
throw  her  into  a  fever  which  undermined  her 
constitution,  deprived  her  of  her  beauty,  ru- 
ined her  voice,  and  left  her  without  means  of"^ 
ftupnort.  Her  pretended  lover,  fmdin^  she 
could  no  longer  bo  useful  to  him,  perfidioualy 
abandoned  her  to  poverty  and  shame.  Sho 
returned,  like  the  prodigal,  to  her  unhappy 
father,  who  received,  but  could  not  assist 
her.  Her  behavior,  with  its  consequences  ia 
4» 


^ 


43  THE   BOARDING  SCHOOL. 

the  death  of  her  mother,  had  impaired  hit 
healthy  deprosRod  hid  spiritAi  and  rendered  hiro 
incapable  of  providing  for  himself. 

'*  She  is  now  despised  and  avoided  by  all 
her  former  acquaintance,  and  must  inovita-  '[ 
blv  spend  the  remainder  of  her  days  in  wretch- 
edness. 

"  Let  us  turn  from  this  disgusting  picture,  ^ 
and  behold  its  contrast  in  the  amiable  I  lorclla.  \ 

(To  beauty  of  person  she  superadds  delicacy,  j 
sensibility,  and  every  noble  quality  of  the  ; 
mind,  llespectful  to  her  superiors,  aOablc,  \ 
cheeiful,  and  polite  to  her  equals,  and  condc  ' 
Bcendingly  kind  to  her  inferiors,  Florella  is  \ 
universally  esteemed,  beloved  and  admired.  - 
Of  the   pleasing   accomplishments   of  music  ; 

Sand   dancing  she  is  a  eonsummute  mistrvtis.  : 
Yet  she  is  superior  to  the  vain  arts  of  llallory,  ^ 
whilo  the  dignity  of  conscious   virtue  rniscn    ^ 
her  far  above  the  aflbctation  of  false  modesty   | 
and  dinidoncqj    To  picaso  and  obligo  thoH*    | 
friends  who  are  interoHtod  in  her  hnppincHf*,  i 
mid  gratified  by  her  porforinunces,  is  her  do-  ? 
light.     Nor  docs  she  think  it  necessary,  by   I 
jeigned  excuses,  to  delay  the  nleuHure,  which   v 
>    eho  is  able  to  aflbrd;  but  willingly  enhances   \ 
that  pleasure  by  a  ready  and  cheerful  compli- 
anco.     This  she  thinks  the  best  return  bho   . 
can  make  for  their  kind  attention.     Though 
delighted  with  these  amusements  herself,  she, 
neverlhelcHS,  considers  them  as  nmuHcnunt^ 
only;  and  assiduously  cultivates  the  more  solidl 
^  brunches  of  her  education.     These,  she  in 


!!: 


TUG    DOAHDINO   NCIIOOL.  49 

wont  to  Ray,  may  render  mo  useful  nnd  hnp- 
ly,  whon  ilio  voico  of  nuiHic  fllinll  bo  brought 
ow^und  when  tho  »prigbtl/  limb»  BhuU  bocomo 
languid  nnd  innclivo. 

••  How  happy  her  parents  in  her  fdial  duty 
ond  ullbction!  How  rich  tho  roward  of  their 
cure  and  oxpenno  in  cuntributing  to  hor  im- 
pruvoniontA!  How  hnp))y  Florolia  in  their 
cuinphiconcy  nnd  lovo,  nnd  in  tho  conucioUH- 
now  of  doHorving  them!  v,,^ 

**  She  wuj<,  not  long  since,  nddrossod  by  a  ^ 
^ontlcnnm,  who  was   pleasing  to  her  fancy; 
but,  determined  never  to  indulge  a  sentiment 
of  partiality  without  the  entire  approbation  of 
her  parents,  she  referred  him  to  their  decision. 
For  particular  reasons,  they  disapproved  off 
his  suit.     Sho   acquiesced    without  reserve,! 
and  immediately  dismissed  him.     Who  would  1 
not  rather  be  a  resembler  of  Florella,  than  a  ^ 
vain,  imprudent,  and  ruined  Levitia? 

**  True,  indeed,  the  acquirements  and  gra- 
ces of  Florella  aro  not  attainable  by  every 
one;  but  tho  virtues  of  discretion,  modesty^  ^ 
and  kindness  aro  within  tho  rcacli  of  the  hum-    j 
blest  sphoro,  and  tho  most  moderate  abilitios,"^ 


44  HIE   BOARbLNd   IClldOt. 

fVedniiday^  A.  M. 
MISCELLANEOUS  DIRECTIONS 

Iron  TUB   OOVBRIfM&NT    OP    THE    TEMPER    AN9 
MANNERS, 

"  I  SHALL  now,"  said  Mrs.  Williomn,  •'  en*  ! 
deavor  to  sketch  out  lor  you  tho  plan  of  con-  \ 
duct,  which  I  think  will  bo  most  conducive  to   i 

{our  honor  And  happlncris  while  in  a  single  stnt^^     t 
litherto  you  havo  bcon  under  tho  direction 
^f  parontft,  gunrdiann,  nnd    instruclem,   who    1 
have  regulated  your  dcportinrnf,  nnd  luboicd    ! 
to  givo  you  iust  ideas  upon  every  subject  nnd 
occnHiun,     That  period   in   now  over.     You 
nro  now  Inunchlnf;  into  life;  where  you  will 
think  nnd  net  more  for  yourHclves. 

**  Tho  puth  of  rectitude,  my  dear  yotinj{     \ 
friendrt,  is  narrow  nnd  intricule.    Tomptntionn    r 
lurk  around  to  beguile  your  Ibet  ndtruv;  and     ^ 
dnngorn   which    nppcur   inuurmountablo    will 
often  arise  to  aflVight  you  from  tho  wnys  of 
virtue. 

*'  But  remember  that  o  crown  of  honor  tmd 

hnpniness  awaits  tho  undevinting  purbuit  ot' 

I  trutii  and  duty,     Let  religion  bo  yuur  guide,     i 

I   ond  dtHcretion  your  handmaid.  Thus  attendee^ 

r  you  will  escape  tho  snares  of  youth,  and  sur- 

n.ount  tho  perplexing  cares  of  moro  advanced 

age.     At  your  entrance  on  the  stngo  of  action, 

tho  allurements  of  pleu8uro  ^vill  pprcnd  innu* 

incroBfo   charms  to  cour^  your   accrptnnce. 

iJcwaro  of  their  fnftcinatii'g  wiicp;  nr.d  vUt- 


Tlll^  nOAllDINO  SCHOOL.  45 

ever  conrno  you  adopt,  bo  fluro  it  is  Buch  as 
^  will  bcnr  the  tcHt  of  oxumination  nnd  roflcc- 
}i  (ion.     Let  tliCHO  bo  the  criterion  of  all  your 
pursuilH  nnd  enjoyments.      IMako  it  nn  inva- 
liaMo  pnictico  to  ro-trnco  tlio  actions  ond  oc- 
currcncoM  of  tlio  day,  wbcn  you  retire  to  rest; 
to  nccount  with  your  own  hearts  for  the  uso 
and  improvement  of  tho  past  hours;  and  roc- 
til}'  whatever  you  find  amiss,  by  greater  vigi- 
^     lanco  and  caution,   in  future;   to   avoid  tno 
.  errofH  into  which  you  have  fallen,  and  to  dis- 
^  clmr^o  the  duties  incumbent  upon  you. 
4      "  To  neglect  this,  will  bo  a  source  of  great 
J  inadvertencies  and  failings. 
I      "  To  know  yourselves,  in  every  particular, 
I  must  bo  your  constant  endeavor.    This  know- 
I  ledge  will  lead  you  to  propriety  and  consistency 
of  action.     But  this  knowledge  cannot  bo  ob- 
tained without  a  thorough  and  repeated  inspec- 
'     tion  of  your  various  passions,  adections,  and 
^   propcnHities.      When   obtained,   however,  it 
j  will  prevent  tho  ill  oflocts  of  flattery,  by  which 
?   you  will  doubtless  bo  endangered,  as  you  od- 
vanco  into  tho  scenes  of  fashionable  life.     It 
will  enable  you  to  distinguish  flattery  from 
that  generous  praiso  which  is  tho  cflTusion  of 
u  focTing  heart,  affected  by  tho  perception  of 
real  merit.     A  young  lady,  unskilled  in  tho 
deceitful  arts  of  a  giddy  world,  is  very  apt  to 
be  misled  by  tho  adulation  which  is  offered  at 
tho  shrine  of  vanity.     She  is  considered  as  a 
mark  for  tho  wit  of  ovory  coxcomb|  who  wish- 
es to  display  his  gallantry. 


40  THS  B0AltDi:fO  iCIlOOL. 

^^  Flattory  is  a  dazzling  metoor,  which  casti  || 
a  delusive  glare  before  the  c}*e;  and  which 
■educes  the  imagination,  perverts  the  judg- 
menty  and  silences  the  dictates  of  sound  rea- 
son. Flattery  is,  therefore,  the  poinon  qiuI  \ 
bane  of  the  yoiithflil  mind.  It  renders  \\\t  \ 
receiver  blind  to  those  defects  which  slie  o\x»\\\  \ 
to  see  and  rectify,  and  proud  of  imaginary  | 
j  graces  wljich  she  never  yet  poHsosscd.  Scir- 
1  Knowledge,  as  before  obtfervcd,  will  fuciUtnte  h 
the  detection  of  this  dit»guised  odversary,  by  | 
enabling  you  to  investigate  your  real  accon^*  | 
plishmcntj  and  merits.  ^ 

"That  proijio  which  is  the  result  of  dcflcrv- 
cd  approbation  from  those,  whoso  good  opln    > 
ion  you  wish  to  enjoy,  is  worthy  your  atton- 
tion  and  grateful   acceptance:    but   the    fu'-  \ 
some  compliments  and  hyperbolical  professions 
of  unmeaning  and  empty  pretenders,  culcu-    ^ 
lated  only  to  fill  tho  imagination  with  the  in- 
flammable air   of  self-conceit    and    orrognnt 
/  pride,  should  bo  rejected   with  disdain,    nn«l   % 
/  cordially  despised  by  every  lady  of  Rrnj^o  and   | 
sentiment,  txA  an  insult  upon  her  undci\st>ind-  f 
\ing,  and  an  indignity  to  her  sensibility.  | 

"  Let  it,  therefore,* be  known  to  those  who   i 
court  your  favor  by   un  ostentatious  parade    j 
of  admiration  and  obseq\iiousnoss,  that  their    | 
dissimulation  and  duplicity  are  discovered,  anu 
that  you  are  superior  to  such  futility.  I 

^  "  In  order  to  discriminate  between  flattery 
and  merited  nraiso,  critically  examine  your 
own  heart  and  life,     Ry  this  mean  you  will 


\  TIIR  BOARDING  BCHOOT..  4t 

nsccrtain  what  is  really  your  due,  and  what 
i  is  merely  the  cflcct  of  this  insidious  art.     But 
)'  lot  no  ideas  of  yoar  own  endowments,  how- 
ever just,  elate  you  with  an  opinion  of  your 
superior  powers  of  pleasing. 

'*  Be  not  ostentatious  of  your  channsy  either  \ 
of  person  or  mind.  Let  modesty,  diflidencei 
nnd  propriety  regulate  you,  in  regard  to  each. 
Exalted  advantages  will  render  you  an  ohject 
of  envy  to  the  weak  minded  of  your  own  , 
seX)  and  of  satire  to  tho  ill-natured  part  of  the 
otlicr.  [Never  ohtrudc  even  your  real  graces 
I  and  acconr^plishments  upon  tho  worlds  The 
penetrating  and  judicious  will  sec  and  applaud 
them,  while  retiring  from  tho  gazo  of  a  mil- 
judging  and  misrepresenting  throng. 

"  Naked  in  nothing  should  o  woman  be, 
r  1  Bui  vcij  her  very  wit  with  modesty  ; 

Let  man  discover  ;  lot  her  not  display  ; 

But  yield  her  charms  of  miud  with  iweot  delay.*^ 

'*  Those  who  arc  solicitous  for  heauty  filK>uId 
remember  that  the  expression  of  the  counte- 
nance, in  which  its  very  essence  consists^  de- 
l  pcnds  on  tho  disposition  of  tho  mind. 

I    **  \Vhat*s  Temalo  beauty,  but  an  air  dirrne, 

^       Through  which  the  mind**  all  gentle  graces  ibiDt  \ 

\       These,  like  lh«  tun,  irradiate  all  between  ; 

^       The  body  charms,  because  the  soul  is  s6on« 
Hence  men  are  often  captires  of  a  face,     ' 
They  know  not  why  ;  of  no  peculiar  grace* 
t^ome  forms,  though  bright,,  no  mortal  naan  ran  bfv  ^ 
Some,  non«  reibt,  tho*  not  exceeding  fair/* 

<'  Beauty,  my  dear  girU,  is  indeed  a  desl* 
table  quality.    Neither  the  pen  of  the  moral- 


48  TUB  BOARDING  SCHOOL. 

isty  nor  tho  nploon  of  tho  untirUty  nor  the  cnr 
of  iuch  as  want  it,  could  over  bring  it  iut^  . 
contempt  or    neglect.      Yet   mere   external/ 
beauty  is  transient  as  the  meteor,  and  frnil  a^ 
the  bubble,  which  floats  on  the  surface  of  the 
watery  element. 

^^  nehold    tho   disconsolate   and   dG)!>p?i»r 
Flirtilla!  and  from  her  fate  loam  not  to  tr.M 
in  tlie  eflccts  or  duration  of  this  adventitious  t 
quality.  \ 

"  Early  in  life,  Flirtilla  was  taught  that  her ' 
charms  were  irresistible;  that  she  might  as- ^ 
pire  to  an  absolute  ascendency  over  the  hearts  ^ 
■^  and  passions  of  her  votaries.     A  supcrficia' 

\but  fashionable  education  added  tlie  allure- 
niouts  of  art  to  thortu  of  porsoU)  and  rcudor«t 
her  u  fnuHhed  eo<piotto. 
I  I  lor  beauty  and  the  gaiety  of  hor  mannc 
I  gained  her  numerous  admirers,  who  swari» 
;  around,  like  the  insect  tribe,  eager  to  sip  thi 
j  fragrance  of  the  equally  fair  and  fading  rose,  t 

Tho   incense  of  flattery,  in  every  form,  wo? 
'  her  tribute. 

"  Elated  by  this,   she  gave   free  scope  : 
hor  ruling  paHsiuns,  tho  love  of  plouHure  un 
dissipation.     Ifer  best  days  were  spont  in  *' 
cliUHO  of  vanity;  and  she  cullcjd  the  fluwrrf* 
life,  without  considering,  that  subntuntiul  H 
would  be  recpiired  at  a  more  advanced  ptri' 
as  tt  subfcitituto    for    tho    fading  blosnoi  s 
^    youth.   Her  mind  was  barren  of  improvcm  r*. 
and  consequently  destitute  of  resources. 
She  vainly  imagined  the  triumphs  of  bcnut 


THE  nOARDINO  SCHOOL.  49 

^     to  bo  permanent,  till    its   declared    enemy, 
'^'^    the  smull-|)ox,  convinced  her  of  the  egregious 
mistake.     By  this  she  found  iier  empire  sud- 
denly overturned.      The   merciless  disorder 
had  reduced  her  to  a  level  with  the  generality 
I    of  her  sex,  in  appearance,  and,  in  enjoyment 
^    far  below  them.     Iler  glass  faithfully  ropre- 
j    seated  this  insupportable  reduction.     Regret 
\  ]    and  chagrin  heightened  the  apparent  calami- 
f  ]    iy.     She  was  remembered  only  as  the  con- 
trast of  what  she  once  had  been.     Her  lovers 
•    wcro  disgusted  with  the  change,  and  sought 
I  I    more  pleasing  objects  of  attention;  while  men 
li    of  sentiment  could  not  fmd  a  similarity  of  dis- 
]    position,  in  her,  to  induce  a  connexion. 
;        *^  Her  female  acquaintance,  who  had  envied 
'    licr  as  a  rival,  or  feared  her  as  a  superior, 
now  insulted  her  with  their  pity,  or  mortified 
*>  '    her  by  remarks  on  the  surprising  alteration 
j       in  her  appearance. 

j   j        "  Finding  no  alleviation  from  society,  she 
I  I    retired  from  the  world  to  nurse,  in  solitudoi 
the  vexation  and  disappointnicnt  sho  cxpori- 
cnccd. 

**  View  her  now,  peevish,  discontented,  and 
gloomy  I  Ilor  ideas  of  plea?^uro  were  center- 
ed in  that  person,  which  is  now  neglected;  in 
those  endowments  which  have  now  forsakoa 
her  forever! 

•♦  Thought  sho  studiously  shuns;  for  sho 
has  nothing  pleasing  to  occupy  her  reflections, 
but  whht  is  irretrievably  lost!  JJ 

'*  Miscrablo  Flirtilla!  thou  trustcdst  in  vani- 


dO  THE  BOAnDIMO  SCHOOL^ 

ty,  ftnd  vanity  ii  thy  recompense!  ITow 
happy  michtcst  thou  have  been,  even  in  thi» 
change,  if  thy  heart  had  been  rectified,  thv 
Onderstandinji;  improved,  and  thy  mind  libor* 
ally  Btorcd  with  useful  sentiments,  knowledge^ 
and  information! 

"  Cultivate,  then,  my  young  friends,  those 
dispositions  and  attainments,  which  will  >ield 
permanent  and  real  satisfaction,  when  sick- 
ness, adversity,  or  age  shall  have  robbed  your 
eyes  of  their  lustre,  and  diminished  the  bloom 
\and  sprightlincstf  of  your  forms. 

'*  You  aro  doubtless  sensible  that  your  hap^* 
piness,  in  life,  docs  not  depend  so  much  on 
your  external,  as  your  internal  graces. 

"  The  constitutional  temper  of  your  nnn^f^ 
,  was  given  you  by  nature;  but  reason  is  added 
for  its  regulation. 

'<  On  tiru*f  vast  ocean  diverioT^  we  ui\  f 
RoMon  the  chart ;  but  pawion  ia  tho  {ale/' 

"  Our  passions  were   certainly  implanted 
for    wise    and  benevolent  purooses;    and,  if 
properly  directed,  may  be  or  great   utility. 
This  direction  nature  will  teach,  and  educa- 
tion improve.      To  their  precepts  wo   must 
implicitly  listen,  if  we  would  become  respec-' 
table  or  contented. 
/^      "  Examine  yourselves,  therefore,  with  iiri- 
V    partial  scrutiny.      Find  out  your  particular 
)   faults  in  this  respect,  and  exert  your  unweari- 
/    ed  industry  to  amend  them. 
V,      "  Possibly  you   may   bo   waturalfy   Iwisty, 


THE  OOAnDI.NQ  SCIIOOIm  51 

passionate,  or  vindictivo.  If  so,  how  wretched, 
at  times,  must  tho  indulgence  of  this  temper 
render  you!  When  reason,  awhilo  suspend- 
ed, resumes  its  empire,  and  calm  reflection 
succeeds  tho  riot  of  passion,  how  severe  must 
bo  your  self-condemnation,  and  how  keen 
vour  sensations  of  regret!  Perhaps  an  un- 
kindncss  of  expression  to  some  particulor 
friend,  disrespectful  treatment  of  an  honored 
superior,  ill-timcd  resentment  to  a  beloved  ' 
oquol,  or  imperious  and  unbecoming  severity 
to  a  deservin|j5  inferior,  may  give  you  tho  most 
painful  emotions^  and  degrade  you  in  your 
own,  as  well  as  in  tho  estimntion  of  every  ob- 
server! To  prevent  this  evil,  accustom  your- 
selves to  check  the  first  ri!iin|T9  of  anger,  and 
suspend  every  expression  ot  displeasure,  till 
you  can  deliberate  on  tho  provocation,  and 
the  propriety  of  noticing  it.  It  may  have 
been  undesigned,  and,  tlicreforo,  not  justly 
provoking,  i  ou  may  have  misunderstood  tho 
Word,  or  action  of  oflbnco,  and  inquiry  may 
remove  tho  grounds  of  your  suspicion:  or 
tho  person  oflending  may  be  one  with  whom 
pruuonco  ond  honor  require  you  not  to  enter 
tho  lists.  But  if  neither  of  thcso  considerations 
occur,  reflect  a  moment,  that  your  own  repu- 
tation and  consequent  happiness  aro  at  stalco; 
ond  that  to  loso  the  command  of  yourselves 
and  your  passions  is  inconsistent  with  tho  de- 
licacy of  ladies,  the  moderiition  of  christians, 
and  the  dignity  of  rational  beings. 
'*  Let  every  salljr  alarm,  and  excite  you  to 


62  THE  BOARDING  SCHOOL. 

rnlly  and  new-disciplino  your  forces;  and  to 
bo  more  strictly  on  your  guard  against  the 
assaults  of  your  foe. 

^^Tho  character  of  Camilla  is  a  pattern 
worthy  of  your  imitation.  Whilo  very  younp. 
Comilla  was  unfortunotely  deprived  of  the  in- 
struction and  regulating  hand  ofa  discreet  and 
judicious  mother.  Her  father  was  too  much 
unmerscd  in  business  to  attend  to  tho  cuUiva^ 
tibn  of  his  daughter's  mind. 

^^  lie  gave  her  tho  menus  of  a  genteel  edu- 
cation,  proiscd  her  excellencies,  and  chid  h«r 
faults,  without  being  at  the  pains  of  teaching 
her  how  to  amend  them.  The  irritability  of 
her  temper  ho  rather  indulged,  couHidoring  her 
as  a  girl  of  apirity  who  would  make  her  way 
in  tho  world,  in  spite  of  obntucles.  She  wus 
naturally  generous,  tender-hearted,  and  hu- 
mane; but  her  temper  won  as  uncontrolta))Ic 
ns  tho  whirlpool,  and  as  impetuous  as  the 
wind.  Happily  for  her,  she  had  an  uncom- 
mon strcngtli  of  mind,  a  ready  apprchenpion, 
a  quick  perception,  ond  a  depth  of  understand* 
ing,  seldom  equalled.  Sho  saw  her  error.s 
was  conscious  of  her  failings,  and  a  severe  suf- 
ferer for  her  faults.  Ihit  sueh  was  the  ex- 
treme quickncHs  uf  her  feelings,  und  t^o  pu^ 
sionate  her  resentnu^nt  of  nnj|^  thing  wliird 
!  oppeared  injuriouM  or  nflVontivo,  that  nhr 
could  not  always  repress  them.  Sho  nmrrici 
n  gentleman  ot  a  similar  temper,  and  of  oqurd 
prudence.    In  tho  union  of  such  violent  spirits. 


THfi  HOARDING  gCllOOt.  6i 

great  harmony  could  not  bo  proflogcdt    Tiioir 
t>a88ion8  wcro  livclVi  their  titlcctluns  Qfdenti 

••  Tl»o  hon«vinoon  in  rnpturffn  flow, 
A  ncnoMil  brou^jhl  iti  li  aiinporlii  too  ; 
TliQ  third,  tlio  fnurtii,  wcro  not  ami«i ; 
Tho  ril\h  wni  rrlendnliip,  mixed  with  bliii } 
Itut  orn  A  twolvcmonth  pd^nod  nwny, 
Thoy  found  cich  olhor  inado  of  cUy**' 

**  Inadvertencies  pnvo  oflV^nco  ;  frctjucnt  al» 
lercations  aroso;  both  woro  tenacious  of  their 
right!!)  and  avcme  to  condescension.  Camilla 
pnw  tho  impending?  danger;  sho  became  sen- 
f>iblc  that  tho  hoppiness  of  her  Ilfo  depended 
on  amendment  and  caution;  she  resolved  to 
avoid  giving  or  taking  ofToncc,  with  tho  grlcat'- 
est  diligence;  to  suppress  every  emotion  of 
ongcr;  and  when  she  thought  herself  Injured, 
to  retire  or  be  silent,  till  passion  hud  Bubsidcd^ 
and  she  could  regain  her  calmness. 
**This  was  a  hard  task,  at  first;  but  perse* 
f|    vcrancG  rendered  it  eflcctual  to  a  thorough 

rcformalion  in  each. 
p  **  Her  example  and  pathetic  admonitions  in* 
U  (^uccd  her  husband  to  adopt  her  prudent  plan. 
They  found  their  mutual  endeavors  produce 
tivo  of  real  satisfaction,  and  happiness  the 
reword  of  their  exertions  to  securo  it. 

**  To  bo  vindictive  is  equally,  perhaps  moro 
fatal  to  our  own,  and  tho  peuco  oi  others,  than 
to  bo  passionate.  Violent  passions  of  all  kinds 
are  generally  transient;  but  rovongo  is  tho 
ofTiipring  of  malice,  the  parent  of  discord,  and 
tlie  ban«  of  social  love.  It  is  au  evidence  of 
5* 


•.^*« 


liiMililriiaiilillMiMii^^ 


54  THE  BOARDINO  SCHOOL. 

a  weak  and  Bicklv  mind.  True  greatness  will 
rise  superior  to  this  ignoble  spirit^  so  peculiar- 
ly ungraceful  in  a  lady,  and  inconsistent  with 
that  delicacy  and  soHness^  which  ought  ever 
to  characterize  the  sex. 

<<  But  on  envious  temper  is,  of  oil  others, 
tho  most  degrading  and  miserable.  Envy  is 
a  malignant  poison,  which  rankles  in  the  heart, 
ond  destroys  the  inward  peace,  even  while  there 
is  on  outward  oppoorance  of  serenity.  That 
mind,  which  connot  rejoice  in  the  happiness 
of  others,  is  capable  of  very  little  in  itself 
To  look  with  a  grudging  and  evil  eye  on  the 
enjoyments  of  our  neighbor,  must  be  a  source 
of  perpetual  chagrin  and  mortification. 

^^  Envy  indulged,  is  a  punishment  to  its  pos- 
sessor. Eradicutc,  then,  tho  first,  and  every 
emotion  of  so  corroding  and  destructive  a  na- 
ture ;  and  endeavor  to  excel  only  by  that  vir- 
tuous emulation,  wliich  is  productive  of  im- 
provement and  respectability. 

<^  A  kind,  com))assionate,  benevolent,  hu- 
mane disposition  is  an  invaluable  treasure.  It 
will  lender  you  blessings  to  society,  and  ob- 
jects of  universal  esteem. 

**  In  you  *iin  gnicoflil  to  diH^olvo  at  wo ; 
With  every  inution,  every  word,  to  wavo 
Quick  o*er  tho  kindling;  ciiook  tho  ready  blush  ] 
And  from  tho  aniallcht  viulonco  to  shriuk."— 

"  This  amiable  temper,  however,  may  some- 
times degenerate  into  weakness. 

'^Prudence  should  bo  exercised,  even  in 
the  indulgence  of  tho  most  engaging  qualities. 


THE  DOARDINO  SCHOOL.  55 

In  tho  progress  of  lifo,  occasions  may  call  for 
that  resolution  and  fortitude,  which  admit  not 
ofapparant  softness}  but  such  occasions  very 
seldom  occur, 

<<  How  alluring  are  tho  charms  of  sympathy 
and  charity!  Happy  are  they  who  always 
feel  tho  one,  and  have  power  and  inclination 
to  exemplify  the  other! 

**  Tho  diamond  and  tho  ruby*i  blnzo 
Diitputo  tho  palm  with  bouuty*i  queon  ; 
Not  beauty*!  qucon  demands  luch  praiio, 
Devoid  of  virtuo  if  she's  soon. 
But  tho  ioft  tear  in  pity's  oyo 
Outshines  tho  diomond^s  brightest  beam, 
And  tho  sweet  blush  of  modesty 
More  beauteous  than  tho  ruby  ■  soon.*' 


TVedncsdayy  P.  M, 

DRESS. 

"  Dress,"  continued  Mrs.  Williams  to  hot 
re-asscmblcd  and  attentive  pupils,  '^  is  an  im- 
portant article  of  female  economy.  By  some 
it  is  doubtless  considered  as  too  essential. 
This  is  always  the  case,  when  it  becomes  the 
ruling  passion,  and  every  other  excellence  is 
made  subordinate  to  it.  A  suitable  attention 
to  the  etiquette  of  appearance  is  necessary  to 
render  us  respectable  in  the  eyes  of  the  world; 


imii 
J 


6*6  ttlft  BOJinDlNO  §CU06t» 

tind  dUoovers  an  acoommoduting  dUposltiotii 
which  ii|  ut  oncO)  ongnging  and  UHoful  in  the* 
eommarce  of  aociety«  Females  ore  taxed  with 
being  pecuUor)/  attached  to,  ond  captivated 
by  tht)  glare  of  Fplcndor  and  Khow.  Hut  I  be 
licvo  BUperficinl  ntindii  arc  not  confined  to  acx 
\Vh»»tovt)r  form  thoy  actuate,  to  henutify  and 
adorn  it  will  bo  Iho  principal  objoct. 

"  A  certain  0peoiett  o^l  guicty  und  oiriner.' 
is  becoming  in  youth.   Jfoung  ladicH,  there 
fore,  act  perfectly  in  ciinracter,  when,  under 
proper  restraint,  thoy  indulgo  their  tUHtu  in  the 
decoration  of  their  pomontij  lU\i  thoy  nhould 
I  bo  OHpecially  tartjful  that  thbir  la«te  be  cor- 
j  reel  ;    oon^iMient   with   tlio   nuident   dulicary 
I  which  id  tho  glory  ond  ornomcnt  of  woman. 
*'  It  id  luudahle  to  follow  furthiouM,  no  far  u^ 
they  ore  governed  hy  these  rules;  but  when' 
ever  they  deviate,  quit  them  with  expresu  dis- 
approbation and  dlHgunt.     Any  aHHUinptiooM  nf 
the  maMOulinehahitare  unhreunting.   DieMK  ant' 
inannera  nhould  ho  corrcHpondrnl;  and  tho  «**' 
]gaging  Hol^lneMH  and  attlrH^  Ktrnplieity,  whi(  ^ 
^rnco  my  pupils,  must  ho  quitu  inconsiettcn- 
.  with  the  air  und  attire  of  tho  other  sex. 
I       '^  A  gaudy  and  fantastical  modo  of  decora- 
I  tion  in  by  no  meauB  o  recommendation.    It  be- 
Kpeahti   n  lightness  of  mind   and   a   vanity  ct' 
diripoMition,  a^MiioHt  which  a  dincreet  and  mud 
cM  girl  tthould  guard  with  the  utmost  vigilanccv 
/^  Kxtravagancc  la  a  great  error,  even  wheir 
/    fortune  will  allow  the  mean^i  of  supporting  it. 
\  Mnny  are  tho  claims  which  the  childica  of  af- 


THE  DOARDINO  8CII00L.  57 

diction  nnd  want  hnvo  upon  (ho  Bupcrfluoiis  i 
plenty  of  the  rich.     How  much  better  expend- 
ed wouUl  some  part  of  their  redundance  be,  inj . 
rcHcving  the  necessities  of  such,  than  in  dcco-/ 
rating  their  own  persons,  with  every  ornament 
which  art  can  contrive  to  create  expense! 

**  Neatness  and  propriety  shouUl  be  the 
mnin  objects;  for  loveliness  needs  no  foreign 
aid  to  give  it  u  passport.  Ncatncfhi)  is  too  often 
connected  with  tlio  idea  of  a  prudish  singulari- 
ty; but  no  gaudiness  of  apparel,  no  richness 
of  attire,  no  modishness  of  appearance  can  bo 
an  equivalent  for  it.  Propriety  is  that  garb 
which  becomes  our  situation  und  circumstan- 
ces in  life.  There  certainly  ought  to  bo  a  '^ 
dlflcrcnco  between  diflcrent  ages  and  condi^ 
tions,  in  this  respect.  Many  articles,  orna- 
mental to  Miss  m  her  teens,  would  appear 
absurd,  fantastical,  and  ridiculous  in  maturor 
years.  Nchher  should  the  matronal  robes, 
and  the  closo  cap  hido  the  natural  ringlets,  and 
easy  shapes  of  the  blooming  girl.  -^ 

**  It  is  a  very  falso  tasto  which  indaccs  poo-  | 
pic  in  dependent  and  narrow  circumstances,  to  ( 
miitato  iho  expensive  mode  of  dress  which  f 
might  bo  very  decent  for  those  who  move  in  a  I- 
higher  sphere.  ^ 

**  To  endeavor  to  conceal  indigence  by  the 
QfTectation  of  cxtravoganco,  is  committing  a" 
great  oflencp,  both  ogainst  ourselves,  and  tho 
community  to  which  wo  belong.  Tho  moans 
II  of  support  should  always  be  attended  to.  A 
conformity  to  these  will  render  you  more  res- 


58  THE  BOARDI.NO  tCKOOt. 

peo(ed  for  prudence,  than  n  deviation  for  tho 
take  of  show   without  ^ubstancoi/  can  make  ^ 
you  admired.  ^  / 

^'Louisa  and  Clnrinda  are  striking  examples.  \ 
They  were  both  the  daughters  of  reputable  1 
parents,  whoso  situations  in   the  world  were  > 
rasy    and  comfortable,   though  not   affluent,  f 
They  wore  able  to  give  their  children  a  good  j 
education,  but  no  other  portion.    Gay,  volatile,  ^ 
and  nmhitiouji,  Louisa  was  the  votary  of  fash- 
ion.    A  superior  in  drcs.^  excited  the  keenest 
sensations  of  envy  in  her  bosom;  and  a  rival 
in  nppoaranco  gave   hor  unH[)cukablo  mortiti- 
cation.     DiBsntisfied  with  her  natural  charms^ 
cosmetics  and   paints  added  to  hor  expenses, 
and  betrayed  hor  folly.     She  had  many  pro- 
f«HHO(l  admirers,  who  found  her  a  willing  dupo 
to  tliittory,  nnd  who  raJHod  her  vanity  by  prni«- 
iwg  hor  excellent  taste.  \^ 

**  Leander,  a  gentleman  of  liberal  educa- 
tion, superior  merit,  and  handsome  property, 
cant  his  eye  around  for  a  companion  to  share 
and  enjoy  thoMO  ndvnntugcs  with  him.  Louiii.i 
caught  his  attention.  Tho  elegance  of  her 
person,  and  splendor  of  her  apponrunce. 
•charmed  his  imagination,  and  inspired  the  idea 
of  a  fortune  sufficient  to  support  hor  expensi^"^ 
style  of  living.  lie  paid  hia  addresses  a'^ 
was  received  with  the  most  flattering  encour- 
agement. But  how  greot  was  his  disappoint 
ment,  when  he  discovered  the  smallnoss  of  he 
resources,  and  tho  imprudence  of  her  man* 
agement!  Thi^,  said  he  to  himself,  will  never 


do  for  mo,     Wcro  my  income  far  superior  to  \ 
what  it  is()it  would  not  bo  Adequate  to  8uci)  un*  1 
bounded   extravagance.     Meaidca,   where   so" 
lilllc  economy  is  practised,  while  under  paren- 
tal government,  what  must  bo  the  consequenco 
of  that  unlimited  indulgence,  which  tho  confi* 
dence  duo  to  a  wife  demands  ?   Were  I  to 
abridge  her  expenses,  and  endeavor  to  rectify 
her  rantastical  taste,  it  would  doubtless  foment 
dissension,  discord,  and  animosity^  which  must 
tcrminolo    in    wretchedness.      lie    resolved, 
however,  to  try  her  real  disposition,  by  gently 
hinting  his  disapprobation  of  her  gaiety.    ThisX 
bhc  resented;  and   a  rupture,  which  ended  in    ) 
u  fmal   Reparation,   ensued.     She    found,  too  | 
late,   the  vuluo    of  tho  man,   whom  sho  had    V 
plighted;  and  ever   after  regretted   that  folly     | 

J    which    had  irretrievably  alienated  his  aflfec^ 
tions.  _^ 

'  ^    "  Tho  modesty  and  neatness  of  Clarinda^i 
\garb  next  caught  Lcander's  eye.    Conversing 
wit!)  her  on  the  su!)jcct  of  dress,  the  justness 
of  her  sentiments  gave  him  tho  highest  idcai 
of  the  rectitude  and  innocence  of  her  mindi 
lA  costly  article  was  oficrcd  for  her  purchasc;\ 
but  she  refused  iQ   It  would  not  become  me^^ 
f^aid  she,  nor  ony  other  person  who  has  not  an 
Itffluent   fortune.     If  I  had  a   sufficiency  to 
buy  it,  I  would  procure  something  more  sim^  / 
pie   and  necessary  for  myself;  and  the  over- 
plus might  render  an  object  of  distress  con- 
tented and  happy. 
**  Yet  w««  Clarindo  always  elegantly  ncatv 


N 


00  TUB  BOARDIIfO  lOIIOOt. 

Qlwnyfl  genteelly  fashionable.  Fru^Qlity  nnd 
eoonomy,  free  A'om  proflifiion  nnd  oxtravn- 
ganoe^  enabled  her  to  indulge  her  own  taste 
entirely;  and  whtio  she  enjoy od  that,  Rhe  ro- 

i)inod  not  at  the  faneiod  Ruporiority  of  othorR. 
[joandor  found  hor  all  ho  wiHhod,  in  appear- 
nnoo;  all  he  hoped  for,  in  reality,  As  their 
tUMtO(4  wore  corroiipondont,  and  thuir  hIghoMt 
aim,  when  luutod,  to  pleano  each  other,  they 
wore  not  dependent  on  tho  breath  of  fufthion 
for  their  happinoMH,  A  complinnco  with  itd 
forms  did  not  elalo  their  pride,  nor  a  depar- 
ture from  them,  fill  tlieir  heutts  with  peev- 
ishness and  discontent/' 


Tlinrsday^  Jl.  J»/. 

POLITENESS. 

<*  Still  more  important  than  your  habit,  is 
your  air  and  deportment.  It  is  not  RUllicicnt 
that  theso  arc  pluaniug  to  tho  oyo  of  the  nu- 
perficiul  obnerver.  Your  behuvior  and  eonver- 
Ration  must  bo  uniformly  governed  by  the  laws 
of  politcncRR,  diwcretion,  and  decorum.  EIhc 
you  will  be  diH^UHtinjr  to  peo|)Ie  of  renncment; 
nnd  tho  judiciuuH  and  diMcmning  will  dl.'^cover 
tho  wenknesH  of  your  mindn,  notwilliHtandiripr 
tho  nbowy  ornnmentH,  intended  to  conceal  it  ,  . 
from  public  view.  -^    i 

•*  Inattcnlion  in  company  is  a   breach  of      • 


'^ 


TUB  OOARDINO  SCHOOL.  Gl 

ood  mannorfl.  Indeed,  it  is  a  downright  in- 
-lilt;  being  ncilhor  moro  nor  loss,  than  doclar- 
in;:;  tlmt  you  have  not  tho  loant  rospoct  for  nny 
who  aro  nrcnont.  Either  you  do  not  valuo 
ihcir  good  opinion,  or  ^ou  have  something 
more  important  than  their  conversation  to  oc«* 
ctipy  your  mindn.  \^ 

**  Vou  Riiould  always  be  attentive  to  those  with 
whom  you  ore  conversant,  let  their  rank  and  / 
standing  be  what  they  may.  Your  superiors  ^ 
will  ostcom  you  for  your  respectful  treatment 
«r  Ihcm;  your  equals  will  lovo  you  for  your 
ktixinoss  and  familiority;  your  inferiors  will 
rospoct  you  for  your  condescension  ond  mook« 

"  Attention  in  copfipany  will  bo  advanta* 
;:( ouN  to  yourselves.  Like  tho  industrious  bco, 
which  HJpH  honey  from  every  plant,  you  may 
derive  somo  benefit  or  iniitruction  from  all 
khhU  of  society  i  Some  uneful  remark  or  infor- 
mation; Mome  Bcntiment  which  may  allure  you 
to  tho  proctico  of  virtue,  or  deter  you  from  a 
vicious  perpetration,  may  repay  your  labor,  and 
ho  serviceable  through  life. 

*^  But  should  there  be  no  other  motive  than 
that  of  pleasing  your  associates,  and  render- 
ing them  happy,  by  making  yourselves  agreea- 
l>lc,  it  may  bo  considered  as  a  suQicient  in-  / 
duccment  to  tho  practice  of  this  branch  of 
^'tod-breeding.  Many  girls,  in  tho  thought-  \ 
icHs  levity  of  their  hearts,  divert  themselves  at 
tlio  oxpenso  of  others;  and,  with  tho  utmost 
glooy  point  out  any  thing  poouliar  ia  the  «p« 


CI  TIIK   OOAnDlN'O   BCIIOOLtf 

pearanc6|  wordf ,  or  actions  of  some  one  in  the 
companyi  whom  they  Aclect  for  a  subject  of 
merriment  and  ridicule.  This,  by  shrewd 
looks,  ironical  gestures,  or  tittering  whisperfi, 
is  kept  up,  to  the  great  mortification  of  the 
unhappy  victim,  and  to  the  reproach  and  dis- 
honor of  the  offenders.  Such  conduct  is  a 
broach,  not  only  of  the  rules  of  common  civili- 
ty, but  of  humanity;  besides  being  directly  re- 
pugnant to  the  precept  of  doing  to  others  as 
wo  would  that  they  should  do  to  us. 

"  Be  particularly  caroful, then,  not  to  mortU 
fyf  or  give  pain  to  an  inferior. 

^*  Let  the  question,  '  who  maketh  the^it  to 
dinfor  V  suppress  every  emotion  of  ridicule, 
contempt,  or  neglect;  and  induce  you  to  roiso 
and  encourage  depressed  merit  by  your  notico 
and  approbation. 

"Asfar  as  propriety,  delicacy,  and  virtue 
will  allow,  cqnforjnLto  the  taste,  and  partici- 
pate in  the  amusements  and  conversation  of 
the  company  into  which  you  have  fallen.  If 
they  be  disagreeable  to  you,  avoid  a  supercili- 
ous avowal  of  your  dislike.  This,  instead  of 
reforming,  would  probably  give  them  a  disgust 
to  you,  and  perhaps  subject  you  to  affronts. 
Yet  where  a  disapprobating  word  or  hint  may 
be  seasonable,  neglect  not  the  opportunity  of 
contributing  to  their  benefit  and  amendment. 

"  Arc  you  conscious  of  superior  advantages, 
either  mental  or  external,  make  no  ostentatious 
display  of  them.  Vanity  too  often  leads  young 
ladies  to  obtrude  their  acquirements  on  thu 


iiiiiiiiiMilf^-ififtrn-ni 


TllC   DOAUDLNO   •CllOOt..  (>d 

lycii  of  ubMorvorM,  inconaidcrntcly  opprclicnd- 
iii^  they  inny  olhcrwirto  bo  unnoticed.  Such 
forwardncflj*  nlwnys  Buhjccts  thorn  to  censure, 
ridicule,  nnd  envy;  the  cxprefisionn  of  which 
destroy  tiint  solf-approbnlion  which  rclirinj^ 
merit  invnriiihly  enjoys,  Ilowovofi  cxorl  that 
dignity  of  virtue  which  will  rondor  you  inde- 
pendent of  CDpricOy  calumny^  and  unprovoked 
satire. 

"Make  no  ungenerous,  or  ill-natured  re- 
marks on  the  company,  or  on  the  individuals 
of  which  it  is  composed. 

*'  If  you  dislike  them,  avoid  them  in  future. 
It  you  witness  errors,  faults,  or  improprieties, 
conceal,  or  at  least  cxtcnuitc  them,  oa  much 
as  possible. 

**  Make  just  ollowanccs  for  those  who  mny 
diflfcr  from  you  in  opUiion;  nnd  bo  cautious 
never  to  misrepresent,  or  circulate  what  ap- 
pears nmiss  to  you,  nnd  rmtst,  if  exposed,  bo 
injurious  to  otlierx.  Charity  hides  a  multitudo 
of  faults.  Certainly  then,  cliarity  will  never 
oggravato  nor  create  them. 

**To  civo  currency  to  a  report,  which  tends 
to  the  disadvnntogo  and  dinhonor  of  another, 
is  defaming;  and  defamation  is  a  species  of 
cruelty,  which  can  never  bo  expiated. 

*^  Of  this  the  unhappy,  though  imprudent 
Eudocia,  is  an  exemplincation. 

«^  Eudocitt  was  young,  ^ay,  and  charming. 
A  levity  of  disposition,  which  the  innocence  of  V 
her  heart  attempted  not  to  restrain,  sometimes    y 
gave  tbo  tongue  of  slander  pretence  lo  aim  iu  / 


64  THE  BOAROINO  lOHOOL. 

envenomod  shahn  at  her  character^  and  to  mit* 
reprosont  hor  sprightliness. 

<*>  Independent  in  fortune;  still  more  so  in 
mind^  calumny  gave  hor  no  pain,  while  she 
was  conscious  of  tho  rectitude  of  her  inten- 
tions. 

"  Leonttno  was  a  gentleman  of  property; 
agreeable  in  his  person  and  manners;  of  strict 
honor,  and  extremely  tenacious  of  it;  but  of  a 
severe  and  unforgiving  temper.  lie  paid  h's 
addresses  to  Eudocia;  was  accepted,  opprov- 
ed,  and  beloved.  Yet,  though  he  had  gained 
her  affections,  he  had  not  suillciont  influence 
to  regulate  her  conduct,  and  reprcRS  her  gaie- 
ty, ilor  fondness  for  show  and  gallantry,  in 
some  instances,  induced  her  to  countenance 
the  attentions,  and  receive  the  flattery,  of  men, 
whoso  characters  were  exceptionable,  in  Le- 
ontine^s  estimation.  lie  remonstrated  against 
hor  imnrudonco,  and  gave  her  his  ideas  of  fe- 
male dolicttcy.  She  laughed  at  his  gravity, 
and  rallied  him  on  his  implicit  subjection  to  tlu 
opinions  of  others. 

"Towards  tho  close  of  a  fine  day,  Eudo- 
cia rambled  along  a  retired  road,  to  enj<'y  the 
air.  She  was  alone;  but  tho  hope  of  meeting 
hor  beloved  Leontine,  whom  she  expectc* 
that  evenii»g,  imperceptibly  led  her  beyond  h*.* 
intended  excursion.  The  rattling  of  a  ca-- 
riage  cauHcd  her  to  stop;  and,  thinking  it  to  I  < 
Leontino's,  she  approached  it  before  nho  per- 
ceived her  mistake.  A  gentleman  of  an  ele- 
gant nppearonco  alighted  and  accosting  he^ 


THE   BOARDING    ICIIOOL.  65 

politely,  cxprcBBcd  his  Eurpriso  nt  finding  lier 
go  fur  from  home  without  an  attendant.  She 
found  it  was  Florio,  with  whom  she  had  a  slight 
acquaintance,  having  once  met  with  him  in 
conipany.  She  frankly  owned  her  motive  for 
walking  thus  fur;  and  refused  his  invitation  to 
return  in  his  carriage.  lie  renewed  his  re- 
quest; and  his  importunity,  seconded  hy  her 
fatigue,  at  last  prevailed.  At  this  moment 
the  detracting  Lavina  passed  by.  Sbo  siw 
Eudocia,  and  with  a  sneering  smile,  wished 
her  a  good  night.  Eudocia  was  unconscious 
of  fault,  and  therefore  fearless  of  censure. 
]iut  the  artful  Florio,  desirous  of  protracting 
[^  the  pleasure  of  her  company,  took  a  circuit- 
ous route,  which  considerably  increased  the 
distance  to  her  father's  nousc.  However,  he 
conveyed  her  safely  homo,  though  not  so  soon 
I  as  she  wished.     She  found  that  Leontino  had 

I  been  there,  and  had  gone  to  visit  a  friend;  but 
would  soon  return.  Leontino  was  just  scotod 
at  his  friend's,  when  Lavina  entered. 

'^She  told  the  circle,  that  Florio  Iiad  just 
passed  her,  and  that  he  had  company  she  little 
expected  to  see  with  him.  They  inquired  if 
it  was  his  former  mistress?  No,  said  she, 
ho  discarded  her  some  time  ago,  and  if  wo 
may  judge  by  appearances,  has  chosen  a  new 
one.  Upon  bemg  asked  who,  she  presumed 
to  name  Eudocia.  Every  countenance  ex- 
j  pressed  surprise  and  regret.  In  Leontine'^i 
rage  and  retcntmcot  were  visibly  depicted. 
)1«  roiOi  and  stepping  hastily  to  Lavina,  told 
6* 


vv TM*   BOARDING  1CH00L« 

her  be  was  a  party  concerned^  and  demanded 
an  explanation  of  what  she  had  insinuated. 
She  porcoived  that  she  had  given  offence,  and 
endeavored  to  excuse  herself;  but  ho  reso- 
lutely told  her  that  no  evasions  would  avail; 
that  he  insisted  on  the  real  truth  of  her  scan- 
dalous report.  Finding  him  thus  determined, 
she  related  the  simple  fact  of  seeing  Eudocia 
in  a  carriage  witii  Florio,  who  was  a  known 
libertine,  and  accustomed  to  the  society  of 
loose  women.  Lcontir.o  asked  her  how  she 
came  to  associate  the  ideas  she  had  mentioned 
with  Eudocia's  name?  She  replied  that  the 
lightness  of  her  behavior  had  sometimes  ren- 
dered her  censurable;  and  she  thought  this  in- 
stance, in  particular,  authorised  suspicion. 
Lcontine  could  not  deny  that  she  was  culpable 
in  appearance;  yet  made  answer,  that  though 
scandal  might  feast  on  the  failings  of  virtue, 
ho  believed  Eudocia^s  innocence  much  purer, 
and  her  heart  much  better  than  her  detractors'; 
and  taking  his  hat,  ho  wished  the  company  a 
gocd  evening,  and  left  them. 

<<  His  passions,  were  on  fire.  He  could  not 
comprehend  tho  mysterious  conduct  of  Eudo- 
cia. Ilcr  absence  from  homo,  at  a  time  when 
ho  expected  her  to  receive  him,  and  her  being 
seen  at  a  distance  in  company  with  a  professed 
debauchee,  were  a  labyrinth  which  ho  could 
not  explore.  Though  he  doubted  not  Eudo- 
cift's  honor,  yet  her  folly  and  imprudence,  in 
subjecting  her  character  to  suspicion  and  re- 
proach, ho  thought  unpardonable.    His  resent- 


TllE  DOARDINO  SCHOOL.  67 

mont  dotorminod  him  to  brook  tho  proposed 
connexion  immodiatcly  ;  and,  lost  his  love 
should  got  tho  bettor  of  his  resolution^  ho  went 
directly  to  tho  house. 

"  As  ho  could  not  command  his  temper,  he 
appeared  extremely  agitated,  and  angrily  told 
Kudociathat  she  had  caused  him  groat  uneasi- 
ness ;  and  that  ho  camo  to  claim  tho  satisfac- 
tion of  knowing,  why  sho  had  avoided  his 
society,  and  made  an  assignation  with  a  man 
who  had  involved  her  in  mfamy  ?  Eudocia 
was  astonished  and  justly  ofTcndod  at  this  ad- 
dress. With  all  tho  dignity  of  conscious  inno- 
cence, sho  replied,  that  as  yet  he  had  no  right  y 
to  challenge  an  account  of  her  conduct  ;  but  ' 
for  her  own  sako,  sho  would  condescend  to 
give  it.  This  sho  did  by  a  faithful  and  undis- 
guised relation  of  facts.  Sho  then  asked  him 
if  he  was  satisfied.  Ho  answered,  No.  For, 
said  he,  though  you  havo  cleared  yourself  of 
guilt,  in  my  apprehension,  you  will  fmd  it  vory 
diflicult  to  free  your  character  from  tho  blem- 
ish it  hasroceivod  in  the  opinion  of  tho  world, 
Sa)'ing  this  ho  told  hor,  that  howover  highly 
he  esteemed  her,  so  opposite  were  their  dispo- 
sitions, that  they  must  oflen  bo  at  variance  ; 
and  so  nico  was  his  sense  of  honor,  that  his 
wife  liko  Co^sar'i  must  not  only  bo  virtuous,  ^ 
but  unsuspected.  Sho  rejoined,  that  his  sen- 
timents wero  apparent  ;  and  if  what  ho  then 
cxpresfe:ed  wero  hit  opinion  of  hcri  it  wai  best  ' 
they  should  part. 

**  Some  fiirihor  oonvorsation  passod;  when 


€8  Tni  ROAIiDINO  ICIIOOL. 


I 


promlilng  to  call,  th9  next  dny,  and  aatltf/  tier 
parcnti^  and  wishing  Eudoola  all  poiiiblo  hap* 
p'mesi  in  life,  he  took  his  leave. 

^*The  impropriety  of  her  conduct^  and  her 
losing  the  afToctions  of  a  man  she  too  ardently 
loved)  together  with  the  cruel  treatment  she 
had  juflt  received  from  him,  ovorwhohnod  her 
with  grief|  and  produced  tlie  moMt  violent  emo- 
tions of  rogret.  She  walked  her  room  in  nil 
the  anguish  of  disappointed  hope.  Ilor  paronts 
UBed  every  argument  to  soothe  and  console 
her,  but  in  vain. 

'<  Sho  yielded  to  their  persuasions  so  far  as 
to  retire  to  bod  ;  but  rest  sho  found  not  ;  and  [  | 
the  morning  presented  her  in  a  burning  fever.  ^J 
Leontine  called  in  the  course  of  the  day  ;  but  | 
the  friends  of  Eudocia  refused  to  see  him.  An  -I 
account  of  her  disorder  had  roused  him  to  a  y 
sense  of  his  rashness,  and  he  begged  to  be 
admitted  to  her  chamber  ;  but  this  she  utterly 
denied. 

"  Ilcr  fever  led  her  ;  but  the  disease  of  her 
mind  was  beyond  the  power  of  medicine.  A 
settled  melancholy  still  remains  ;  and  sho  lives 
the  victim  of  calumniation  ! 

'<  To  detract  from  tho  merit  of  others,  besido 
the  want  of  politeness  which  it  betrays,  and 
beside  the  injuries  which  it  always  occasions,  is 
extremely  impolitic.  It  is  to  confess  your  in- 
feriority, and  to  acknowledge  a  wish  not  to  rise 
to  greater  respectability  ;  but  to  bring  down 
those  about  you  to  your  own  level  !  Ill-natured 
remarks  are  the  genuine  offspring  of  an  envi" 
ous  and  grovelling  mind. 


THE  DO\RDINa  SCHOOL.  C9 

"  Call  yoursolvcsto  a  sovcro  account,  thoro- 
foro,  whonovor  you  have  been  guilty  of  this 
degrading  offence  ;  and  always  check  the  first 
impulses  towards  it. 

**  Accustom  yourselves  to  the  cxcrciso  of 
sincerity,  benevolence  and  good  humor,  those 
<*ndoaring  virtues,  which  will  render  you  be- 
!ovcd  and  respected  by  all. 

"  To  bestow  your  attention  in  company,  upon 
trifling  singularities  in  the  dross,  person,  or 
mnnnors  of  others,  is  spending  your  time  to 
little  purpose.  From  such  a  practice  you  can 
derive  neither  pleasure  nor  profit ;  but  must 
unavoidably  subject  yourselves  to  the  imputa- 
tion of  incivility  and  malice." 


Thursdayy  P.  Jtf. 

AMUSEMENTS. 

**  Amusement  is  impatiently   desired,   and\ 
eagerly  sought   by  young  ladies   in  general.  / 
Forgetful  that  the  noblest  entertainment  arises 
from  a   placid  and  well  cultivated   mind,  too 
muny  (iy  from   themselves,  from  thought  and 
rcilection,  to  fashionable   dissipation,  or  what  / 
they  call  pleasure,  as  a  mean  of  beguiling  the 
hours  which  solitude  and  retirement  render  in- 
supportably  tedious. 


/J  ,... 

•  70  TRB  BOARDING  SCHOOL. 

/     **  An  extravagant  fondness  for  company  and 
^public  resorts  is  incompatible  with  those  domes- 
tic duties^  the  faithful  aischarge  of  ^  hich  ought 
to  be  the  prevailing  object  of  the  sex.     In  the 
^  indulgence  of  this  disposition,  the  mind  is  ener- 
vated,  and  the   manners  corrupted,  till   all 
relish  for  those  enjoyments,  which  being  simple 
I    And  natural,  are   best   calculated  to   promote 
1  healthy  innocence^  and  social  delight,  is  totally 
^^  lost. 

<<  It  is  by  no  means  amiss  for  youth  to  seek 
relaxation  from  severer  cares  and  labors,  in  a 
participation  of  diversions,  suited  to  their  age, 
fiex,  and  station  in  life.  /But  there  is  grtut  | 
danger  of  their  lively  imaginations'  hurrying  | 
ihem  into  excess,  and  detaching  their  oflections  t| 
from  the  ennobling  acquisitions  of  moral  im-  a 
provement,  and  refined  delicacy.  Guard,  then  R 
against  those  amusements  wHich  havo  the 
least  tendency  to  sully  the  purity  of  your 
minds. 

« Loose  and   immoral  books  ;   compony, 

whoso  manners   arc  licentious,  however  gny 

and  fashionable  ;  conversation  which  is  even 

tinctured  with  profoncncss  or  obscenity  ;  plays 

I   in  which  the  representation  is  immodest,  and 

/    offensive  to  the  ear  of  chastity  ;  indeed,  pas- 

i    times  of  every  description,  from  which  no  ad- 

yantoge  can  be  derived,  should  not  be  counto- 

nanced  ;  much  less  applauded,     ^\hy   should 

thoso  things  afford  apparent   satisfaction  in  n 

fcrowd  which  would  call  forth  the  blush  of  in- 

l^dignation  in  more  private  circles  ?  This  qucs- 


THE  SOARDING  SCHOOL.  11 

tlon  13  worthy  the  serious  attention  of  those 
ladies,  who  at  the  theatre,  C5\n  hardly  restrain^ 
their  approbation  of  expressions  and  actionS| 
which  at  their  houses,  would  bo  intolerably 
rude  and  indecent,  in  their  most  familiar 
friends  ! 

<<  Cards  are  so  much  the  taste  of  the  present 
day,  that  to  caution  my  pupils  against  the  too 
frequent  uso  of  them  may  be  thought  old  fash- 
ioned in  the  extreme.  I  believe  it,  however, 
to  bo  a  fascinating  game,  which  occupies  the 
time,  wilhouf  yielding  any  kind  of  pleasure  / 
or  profit.  As  the  satirist  humorpusly  ob« 
serves, 

**  The  lovo  of  framing  is  tho  worst  of  ills; 
With  coasoleos  storms  tho  blackenM  soul  it  fills  ; 
Invoi^hs  at  Heaven,  noglocts  tho  tios  of  blood} 
Dnstroyn  the  power  and  will  of  doing  good  ; 
Kilts  hnnlth,  pawns  honor,  plunges  in  disgrace  ; 
And,  what  is  still  more  dreadful— spoils  your  facet** 

"  One  thing  at  least  is  certain  ;  it  entirely 
excludes  all  rational  conversation.  That  de- 
lighttul  interchange  of  sentiment,  which  the 
social  meeting  of  friends  is  calculated  to  afford 
nnd  from  which  many  advantages  might  be  de- 
rived, is  utterly  excluded. 

**  Reading,  writing,  drawing,  needle-work, 
dancing,  music,  walking,  riding,  and  conversa* 
tion  are  amusements  well  adapted  to  yield 
pleasure  and  utility.  From  either  of  these, 
within  proper  bounds,  there  is  no  danger  of  in- 
jury to  tho  person  or  mind  ;  though  to  render 
even  our  divcriiont  agreeable,  they  must  b« 


72  THE  BOARDING  SOUOOL* 

Canjoved  with  moderation ,  and  variously  and 
pruaently  conducted.  Such  as  are  peculiarly 
exhitarnting  to  tho  spirits,  however  innocent  in 
thcmsolvos,  should  bo  more  cautiously  and 
spnrinply  indulged. 

^*  nhcn  once  tho  mind  bocomos  too  much 
relaxed  by  dissipatinff  pastimes,  it  is  propor- 
tionably  vitiated,  ana  negligent  of  those  nice 
attentions  to  the  rules  of  reserve  and  decorum 
which  ought  never  to  be  suspended.  Intoxica- 
ting 18  the  full  draught  of  pleasure  to  tho  youth- 
ful mind  ;  and  fatal  aro  the  effocts  of  unre* 
stroined  puKsions. 
^^  "  Flnvia  was  the  daughter  of  n  gentleman, 
^  whoso  political  principles  obliged  him  to  leave 
his  country  at  tho  commencement  of  tho 
American  revolution.  At  that  time  she  was  at 
nurso  in  a  neighboring  village  ;  between 
which  and  tho  metropolis  all  communication 
being  cut  off,  ho  was  reduced  to  the  ncccKsi- 
sity  of  leaving  her  to  tho  mercy  of  those  to 
whom  she  wus  entrusted.  Having  received  her 
iVom  pecuniary  motives  only,  they  no  sooner 
found  thomHolvos  dc^privedof  the  profitn  of  their 
labor  and  care,  than  they  sought  relief  by  an  ap- 
plication to  the  town  for  her  support.  A  weal- 
thy farmer  in  tho  vicinity,  who  hod  often  seen 
1^)  been  pleased  with  the  dawning  charms  of 
Flavia,  pitied  her  condition,  and  having  no  chil- 
dren of  his  own,  resolved  to  sholter  her  from 
tho  impending  storm,  till  she  could  bo  bettor 
provided  for.  At  his  house  she  was  brought 
up  in  a  homely,  though  comfortoblo  manner. 


THE  BOARDING  SCHOOL.  73 

The  good  man  and  Iiis  wife  wcro  excessively 
J       fond  of  her,  and  gave  her  every  instruction 
i         and  advantage  in  their  power,     rlain  truths 
*i       were  liberally  inculcated,  and  every  exertion 
made  to  give  her  a  habit  of  industry  and  good 
nature,     Flavia  requited  their  kindness  by  an  "^ 
obliging  and  cheerful,  a  docile  and  submissivo    J 
deportment.     As  she  advanced  in  years,  sho  ^ 
increased  in  beauty.     Her  amiable  disposition 
rendered  her  beloved,  and  her  personal  accom- 
plishments made  her  admired  by  all  the  village 
swains.      The    approbating   smilo   of  Flavia 
was  the   reward  of  their  ^oils,  and  the  favor 
of  her  hand  in  the  rustic  danco  was  emulously 

HOUght. 

**  In  this  slate,  Flavia  was  happy.  Health 
and  innocence  were  now  her  portion  ;  nor  had 
ambition  as  yet  ta'ight  her  to  sigh  for  plea- 
sure beyond  the  reach  of  her  attainment. 

*^  Hut  the  arrival  of  her  father,  who  had    . 
been  permitted  to  return,  and  re-possess  tho 
estate  which  ho  had  abandoned,  put  a  period 
to  the  simplicity  and  peace  of  Flavians  mind. 
He  sought  and  found  her;  and  though  sensi- 
ble of  his  obligations  to  her  foster-parents  for 
snatching  her  Irom  want  and  distress,  still  ho 
could  not  prevail  on  himself  to  make  so  great 
a  sacrifice  to  gratitude  as  they  wished,  by  per- 
mitting his  daughter  to  spend  her  days  in  ob- 
Acurity,     Tho  lively  fancy  of  Flavia  was  al-^^ 
lured  by  the  splendid  promises  and  descrip«  / 
tions  of  hor  father;  and  she  ri^adil/  consented  \ 

7 


"^4  thi  boardino  school. 

to  leave  the  (Viends  of  her  childhood  and  youtir, 
and  explore  the  walks  of  fashionable  life. 

"  Wncn  she  arrived  in.  town,  what  new 
scones  opened  upon  the  dazzled  eyes  of  the 
admiring,  and  admired  Flavin! 

"  Wealth,  with  its  attendant  train  of  splen- 
did forms  and  ceremonies,  courted  her  atten- 
tion, and  every  species  of  dissipating  amuse- 
ment, sanctioned  by  the  name  of  pleasure,  be- 
guiled the  hours  and  charmed  the  imagination 
of  the  noviciate.     Each  enchanting  scene  she 

f tainted  to  herself  in  the  brightest  colours;  and 
»er  inexperienced  heart  promised  her  happi- 
ness without  allay.  Flattery  gave  her  a  thou- 
sand charms  which  she  was  hitherto  uncon- 
scious of  possessing,  and  the  obsequiousness 
of  the  gaudy  train  around  raised  her  vanity  to 
the  highest  pitch  of  arrogance  and  pride.  J3c- 
hold  Flnvia,  now,  launched  into  the  whirlpool 
of  fashionable  folly  Balls,  plays,  cards,  and 
parties  engross  ovary  portion  of  her  time- 

"  llor  father  saw,  too  late,  the  imprudence 
of  his  unbounded  indulgence ;  and  his  cgrc- 
gioue  mistake,  in  so  immediately  reversing  her 
mod  of  life,  without  first  furnishing  her  mind 
\  with  sutlicient  knowledge  and  strength  to  rc- 
Ipol  temptation.  lie  endeavored  to  regulalo 
and  restrain  her  conduct;  but  in  vain.  She 
complained  of  this,  as  an  abridgment  of  her 
liberty,  and  took  advantage  of  his  doating  fond- 
ness to  practise  every  excess.  Involved  in 
expenses  (of  which  losses  at  play  composed  a 
considerable  part)  beyond  her  power  to  do* 


i 


THE  DOARDINO  SCnOOL.  76 

fray,  in  this  embarrassing  dilcmnna,  she  was 
reduced   to  tho   necessity   of  accopting   tho  i 
trcncherous  ofTcr  ofMariusto  advance  money  p 
for  tho  support  of  her  extravagance.  Obligated ' 
by  his  apparent  kindness,  she  could  not  refuso 
tho  continuance  of  his  ucquointance,  till  hit 
delusive  arts  had  obtained  tho  reward  he  pro- 
posed to  himself,  in  (he  sucrinco  of  her  honor. 
At  len^'th  she  awoke  to  a  trembling  sense  of 
4icr  guilt,  nnd  found  it  fatal  to  her  pcac0|  repu- 
tation, and  happiness. 

♦<  Wretched  riavia!  no  art  could  conceal 
thy  shame!  Tho  grief  of  her  UMnd,  her  ro- 
tirement  from  company,  and  the  alteration  in 
her  appearance,  betrayed  her  to  her  father's 
observation.  Highly  incensed  at  tho  ingrati- 
tude and  baseness  of  her  conduct,  ho  refused 
to  turgive  her;  but  sent  her  from  the  ensnaring 
pleasures  of  tho  town,  to  languish  out  tho  re- 
mainder of  life  in  solitude  and  obscurity.'' 


Friday y  A  M. 
FILIAL  AND  FRATERNAL  AFFECTION. 

''  The  fdial  and  fraternal  are  tho  (irst  duties 
of  a  single  state.  The  obligations  you  aro 
under  to  your  parents  cannot  be  dischargedi 


t6       *  THI  BOAHDIZfO  lOnOOL. 

but  bjr  a  uniform  and  choorful  obcdionco;  an 
unrotforved  and  ready  conoplianco  with  their 
wishofl,  added  to  the  most  diligent  attention  to 
their  paflo  and  happiness.  The  virtuous  and  af- 
foctioHnto  behaviour  ofchildron  U  tho  best  com- 
ponsationi  in  their  power,  for  that  unwearied 
cnro  and  solicitude  which  parout^,  only,  know. 
^Upondauchters,  whoso  situation  and  omploy- 
monts  load  them  moro  fronuontly  into  scenes^ 
of  domestic  tenderness;  who  arc  of\cn  called 
to  smooth  tho  pillow  of  sick  and  ngcd  parents, 
and  to  adminlBtor  with  a  skilful  and  dolicatc 
hand  tho  cordial,  restorative  to  decaying  na- 
ture, and  endearing  sensibility,  and  a  dutiful 
acquiescence  in  tho  dispositions,  and  oven  pe- 
culiarities of  tlioso  from  whom  they  have  do- 
rived  existence,  nro  indispensably  incumbent.  \ 

"  Such  a  conduct  will  yield  a  satisfaction  of^ 
mind  moro  than  equivalent  to  any  little  sacri- 
fices of  inclination  or  humour  which  may  bo 
required  at  your  hands. 

"  Pope,  among  all  his  admired  poetry,  has 
not  six  lines  moro  beautifully  expressive  than 
tho  following: 

'*  MOf  let  tho  ptous  ofHco  lon(|^  onj^ag^t 
To  rock  the  crodlo  of  decUnini;  ago ; 
With  loniont  artti  extend  a  mother*!  breath, 
Make  languor  imilo,  and  smooth  tho  bod  of  death ; 
Explore  tho  thought,  explain  tho  asking  oye, 
Aud  keep  awhile  one  parent  from  the  sky  !** 

"  Next  in  rank  and  importance  to  filial  pie- 
ty, is  fraternal  love.  This  is  a  natural  ofitc- 
tiaa  which  you  cannot  too  assiduously  culti- 


Tna  DOARDXTca  icuool.  77 

vato.  IIow  dcli<;htrul  to  sco  children  of  tho 
puino  family  dwell  topcther  in  iinity  ;  protno» 
ling  each  other's  wellure,  nnd  emulous  only  to 
excel  in  nctfi  of  kindnons  and  f;ood  will.  Be- 
tween brodiors  nnd  sintern  tho  connexion  \4 
equally  intimato  nnd  ondonring.  j  Thoro  i< 
utich  n  union  of  intorostii,  nnd  f«uch  an  undi- 
viilcd  pnrlioipntion  of  enjoyments,  that  every 
scn?«il>ln  nnd  fooling  mind  muHt  vnluo  the  bless- 
in;!;'*  of  family  fi'icnd?»hi|>  and  peace. 

•*  Strive,  thorcforo,  my  dear  pupils,  to  pro- 
mote thcMu,  as  ohjocis  which  dusorvo  your 
ynrliculur  ultuntion  ;  fin  attainments  which  will 
not  fiiil  richly  to  reward  your  lahour, 

<^  Pr\i(l(*lia,  hoMido  other  nmiuhio  endow- 
nionts  of  perMon  und  mind,  poMMos^ed  tho  most 
livoly  sonsihility,  and  ardent  nllbctions. 

**  The  reconuncndulionsof  her  parents,  uni- 
ted to  her  own  wishes,  had  induced  her  to  giva 
her  hand  to  Clodius,  a  gentleman  of  distin- 
guished merit.  lie  was  a  fo_rcigner  ;  and  his 
business  required  his  return  to  his  native  coun- 
try. 

^^  Prudelia  bid  a  reluctant  adieu  to  her 
friends,  und  embarked  with  him.  She  lived 
in  atlluonco,  and  was  admired  and  caressed  by 
nil  that  know  her,  while  a  lovely  family  was 
ri^iing  around  her.  Yet  theso  pleasing  cir- 
cumstances and  prospects  could  not  extinguish 
or  alionato  that  alToction,  which  still  glowed 
in  her  breast  for  tho  natural  guardians  and 
companions  of  her  childhood  and  youth. 

**  With  tho  doopost  adliction  the  hf  ard  thQ 
8« 


^gjfllllgt/ilggiltfgg^^ 


78  TRt  BOARDING  ICBOOt. 

newa  of  her  father's  death,  and  the  embarrass- 
ed situation  in  which  he  had  Icfl  his  affairs. 
She  was  impatient  to  console  her  widowed 
mother,  and  to  minister  to  hor  necessities. 
For  these  purposes,  she  prevailed  on  her  hus« 
band  to  consent  that  she  should  visit  her,  though 
it  was  impossible  for  him  to  attend  her.  >Vith 
all  the  transport  of  dutiful  zeal,  she  flew  to 
the  arms  of  her  bereaved  parent.  But  how 
great  was  her  astonishment  and  grief,  when 
told  that  her  only  sister  had  been  deluded  by 
an  affluent  villain,  and  by  his  insidious  arts, 
seduced  from  her  duty,  her  honor,  and  her 
home!  The  emotions  of  pity,  indignation,  re- 
gret, and  affection,  overwhelmed  her,  at  first; 
but  recollecting  herself,  and  exerting  all  her 
fortitude,  sho  nobly  resolved,  if  possible,  to 
snatch  the  guilty,  yet  beloved  Myra,  from  ruin, 
rather  than  revenge  her  injured  family  by 
abandoning  her  to  the  infamy  she  deserved. 
To  this  intent  she  wrote  her  a  pathetic  letter, 
lamenting  hor  elopement,  but  entreating  her, 
notwithstanding,  to  return  and  receive  her 
fraternal  embrace.  Kut  Myra,  conscious  of 
her  crime,  and  unworthiness  of  her  sister's 
condescension  and  kindness,  and  above  all, 
dreading  the  superiority  of  her  virtue,  refused 
the  generous  mvitation.  Frudelia  was  not 
thus  to  be  vanquished  in  her  benevolent  un- 
dertaking. She  even  followed  her  to  her  lodg- 
ings, and  insisted  on  an  interview.,  Here  sho 
painted,  in  the  most  lively  colours,  the  hcin- 
ousness  of  her  offence,  and  the  ignominy  and 


TUB   DOARDINO   ICIIOOL.  79 

wretchedness  that  awaited  her.  Ilor  affection 
allured,  her  reasoning  convinced  her  back- 
slidinjif  sister.  Upon  the  promise  of  forgive- 
ness from  her  mother,  Myra  consented  to 
leave  her  infamous  paramour^  and  retrace  the 
paths  of  rectitude  and  virtue. 

<*llcr  seducer  was  absent  on  a  journey. 
She,  therefore,  wroto  him  a  farewell  lottofi 
couclicd  in  terms  of  sincere  penitence  for  her 
transgression,  and  determined  resolution  of 
amcndiDont  in  future,  and  left  the  house.  Thus 
restored  and  reconciled  to  her  friends,  Myra 
appeared  in  quite  another  character. 

**  Prudeliu  tarried  with  her  mother  till  sho 
had  adjusted  her  affairs,  and  seen  her  com- 
fortably settled  and  provided  for.  Then  taking 
hot  reclaimed  sister  with  her,  sl^p^returned  to 
her  anxiously  expecting  family.  The  upright- 
ness and  modesty  of  Myra's  conduct,  ever  af- 
ter, rendered  her  universally  esteemed,  though 
the  painful  consciousness  of  her  defection  was 
never  extinguished  in  her  own  bosom. 

'^  A  constant  senso  of  her  past  misconduct 
depressed  her  spirits,  and  cast  a  gloom  over 
her  mind ;  yet  she  was  virtuous,  though  pen- 
sive, during  the  remainder  of  her  life. 

^'  With  this,  and  other  salutary  effects  in 
view,  how  necessary,  how  important  are  filial 
and  fVatornal  affection  I" 


€0  TUB   B0AIU)I50  8CU00L. 


Frirfay,  P.  Jtf. 

FRIENDSHIP. 

<<  FRiBXDRiiiris  a  torm  much  iniittod  on  hy 
young  peoplo  ;  but,  like  many  othom  more 
Iroquontly  used  tlmn  understood.  A  friond, 
with  girls  in  general,  is  on  intimate  acquaint- 
once,  whoso  taste  and  pleasures  are  similor  to 
their  own  ;  who  will  encourage,  or  at  least 
connive  at  their  foibles  and  faults,  and  com- 
municate with  them  Q\cry  secret  ;  in  particu- 
lar those  of  love  and  gallantry,  in  which  thoso 
of  the  other  sex  are  concerned.  By  such 
friends  their  <jrror9  and  stratugeins  are  flatter- 
ed and  concealed,  while  the  prudent  odvicoof 
real  friendship  is  neglected,  till  they  find  too 
late,  how  fictitious  a  character,  nui  how  vain 
ytt  dependence  they  have  chosen. 

"  Augusta  and  Serena  were  educated  at  the 
same  school, resided  in  the  same  neighborhood, 
and  were  equally  volatile  in  their  tempers, 
and  dissipated  in  their  manners.  Hence  every 
plan  of  amusement  was  concerted  and  enjoy- 
ed together.  At  the  play,  the  ball,  the  cord- 
table  and  every  other  party  of  pleasure,  they 
were  companions. 

*<  Their  norents  sow  that  this  intimacy 
etrcngthenea  the  follies  of  each  ;  and  Ttrovo 


TUB   DOARDINO   IGIIOOL.  81 

to  diiacnpngo  their  aHcctions,  that  thoy  mipht 
turn  thoir  nttrntion  to  more  rntlonnl  chtortain- 
incntH)  nnd  rnoro  judicious  odviHurs.  But 
ihvy  gloried  in  their  fricndiship,  and  thought  it 
a  substitute  for  every  other  virtue.  They 
were  the  dupes  of  adulation,  and  the  votorioi  V 
ofcncjuotry.  -^ 

<*Tiio  attentions  of  a  libertine,  instead   of^ 
putting  them  on  their  guard  nguinst  encroach-    / 
r      nicnts,  induced  them  to  triumph  in  their  fan-    \ 
»'      cicd   conquests,  and   to   boast  of  resolution     ) 
suftlcient  to  shield  thcn^  from  delusion.  ^ 

^        ["  Love,  however,  which  with  such  disposi- 
I      tions,  is  the  pretty  play-thing  of  imagination, 
3      assailed  tho  tender  heart  of  Serena.     A  gay 
1     youth,  with   more  wit  than  sense,  more  show 
"     than  substance,  more  art  than   honesty,  took 
advantage  of  her  weakness  to  ingratiate  him- 
self into  her  favour,  and   persuade  her  they 
could  not  live  without  each   other.     Augusta 
t      was  tho  confident  of  Serena.     She  fanned  tho 
flame,  and  encouraged  her  resolution  of  pro- 
moting her  own  felicity,  though  at  tho  expense 
of  every  other   duty.     Her  parents  suspected 
her  amour,  remonstrated  against  the  man,  and 
forbade  her  forming  any  connexion  with  him,on 
pain  of  their  displeasure.     She  apparently  ac- 
quiesced ;  but   ilew  to  Augusta  for   counsel 
and  relief.     Augusta  soothed  her  anxiety,  and 
promised  to  assist  her  in  the  accomplishment 
of  all  her  wishes.   [She  accordingly  contrived 
means  for  a  clandestme  lotercoursei  both  per- 
sonal and  epistolary.) 


^,^mm 


Sa  TUB  BOARDINO  fCHOOt. 

**  Aristua  was  a  foroignor,  and   arowed  his 
purpose  of  returning  to  his  native  country,  ur- 
ging her  to  accompany  him.      Serena  nad  a    . 
fortune,  independent  of  her  parents,  left  her   7 
by  a  deceased  relation.     This,  with  her  hand,    f 
she  consented  to  give  to  her  lorer,  and  to  quit    | 
a   country,  in  which   she  acknowledged   but 
one  friend.   Augusta  praised  her  fortitude,  and 
favored  her  design.     She  accordingly  eloped,    I 
and   embarked,     llcr   parents    were    almost    \ 
distracted  by  her  imprudent  and  undutiful  con-    I 
duct,  and  their  resentment  fell  on  Augu8ta,who 
hud  acted  contrary  to  all  the  dictates  of  intcg-    | 
rity  and  friendship,  in  contributing  to  her  ruin; 
for  ruin  it   proved.  Ilor  ungrateful  paramour, 
having  rioted  on  the  property  which  she  bc- 
BtQwed,  abandoned  her  to  want  and  despair. 
She  wrote  to  her  parents,  but  received  no  an- 
swer.    She  represented  her  case  to  Augusta,    c 
and  implored  relief  from  her  friendship  ;  but    f 
Augusta  alleged  that  she  had  already  incurred    ) 
the  displeasure  of  her  family  on  her  account    • 
and  chose  not  again  to  subject  herself  to  cen- 
sure by  the  same  means.  ' 

**  Serena  at  length  returned  to  her  native  i 
shore,  and  applied  in  person  to  Augusta,  who  1 
cooly  told  her  that  she  wished  no  intercourso  t 
with  a  vagabond,  and  then  retired.  Her  pa-  | 
rents  refused  ta  receive  her  into  their  house  .  ^ 
but  from  motives  of  compassion  and  chority,  [: 
granted  her  a  small  annuity,  barely  suflicicnt  | 
to  keep  her  and  her  infant  from  want.  I 

*^  Too  late  she  discovered  her  noistukeo  no-    f 


THE  DOARDINO  ^CHOO]:..  83 

tions  of  friendship  ;  and  learned  by  sad  expe- 
rience, that  virtue  must  bo  its  foundation,  or 
I  sincerity  and  constancy  can  novcr  bo  its  rc- 
i    ward,  — «iv 

^l^incerj^  on^xonstancy  are  essential  in- 
grcdicntsTn  virtuouslilT^Hdship.  It  invariably 
seeks  the  permanent  good  of  its  object  ;  and 
in  so  doing,  will  advise,  caution  and  reprove, 
with  all  the  frankness  of  undissembled  aflcc- 
tion.  In  the  inter  changeof  genuine  friendship, 
flattery  is  utterly  excluded.  Yet,  oven  in  tho 
most  intinmto  connexions  of  this  kind,  a  proper 
degree  of  respect,  attention  and  politeness 
must  be  observed.  You  are  not  so  far  to  pre- 
sume on  tho  partiality  of  friendship,  as  to  haz- 
ard giving  oHcnce,  and  wounding  tho  feelings 
of  persons,  merely  because  you  think  their  re- 
gard for  you  will  plead  your  excuse,  and  pro- 
cure your  pardon.  Equally  cautious  should 
you  bo,  of  taking  uiry!)rago  at  circumstances 
which  are  undesignedly  ollcnsive. 

^*  Hear  tho  excellent  advico  of  tho  wise  8oa 
of  Sirach,  upon  this  subject  : 

**^dmonish  thy  friend  ;  it  may  bo  ho  hath 
not  done  it  ;  and  if  he  have  done  it,  that  ho 
do  it  no  more.  Admonish  thy  friend  ;  it  may 
bo  ho  hath  not  said  it ;  and  if  he  have,  that 
he  speak  it  not  again.  Admonish  thy  friend  ; 
for  many  times  it  is  a  slander  ;  and  belieyo 
not  every  talo.  Thero  is  ono  that  slippoth  in 
his  speech,  but  not  from  his  heart  ;  and 
who  is  ho  that  offondeth  Dot  with  his 
tongue?" 


84  THB  BOAaDINO  •OUOQI.. 

A     <*  Be  not  hasty  in  forming  friendahipa  ;  but 
>    doliboratol/  oxomino  tlio  nrinciploHydisposition, 
tompor  nnd  manncriiy  of  tlio  pomon  you  winli  to     , 
'  iUNtain  thin  important  churtictor.     ho  woll  oh-   \ 
surod  that  thay  aro  ngrooablo  to  your  own,   ^ 
and  such  as  morityour  ontiro  ostoom  and  con- 
flduncoi  boforo  you   donomumto    hor    your 
friend.    You  may  huvo  many  guaerul  acquain- 
tances, with  whomyuu  uro  j)l<M\«ed  and  oiitor- 
tain()d  ;  but  in  tho  chain  ot  fi-iondnhip  thoro  is 
a  still  closor  link. 

•*  Uoiorvo  win  wound  It,  and  tlintrunl  deitroy, 
Dolilinrbtu  uii  nil  ^Ulu^^*  willi  thy  iVitjud  \ 
llui  linco  fiioiidg  ^fuw  not  thick  on  ovory  bough 
Nor  ov*ry  fViond  uniolion  iit  tho  rorr, 
Fii'Ht  on  thy  IHnmi,  dnlihnrixto  wilii  thyNolfi 
PiuHo,  nomhtr,  tir<4tt  nutuiiL'ur  in  (hu  ohuio9» 
Not*  juuiiiUN  ofthu  nhotjun  t  iixuti|lU  :  \ 

Judgo  bcfuro  niondMhip  :  thon  conlido  till  douth.** 

^<  Hut  if  you  Would  havo  friond^,  you  must  i 
show  yoursolvoa  friendly;  that  is,  you  must  [ 
bo  careful  to  act  tho  part  you  wish  from  ^ 
onothor.  Jf  your  friuud  have  faults,  mildly 
and  tondurly  rcprcsotit  thorn  to  hor  ;  but  con- 
coal  thorn  ati  much  os^posiMiblo  from  tho  obsor- 
vationoftho  world.  Kndnuvor  to  convince 
her  of  hor  orrors,  to  r^ctity  hor  mi^takos,  and 
to  condrm  and  increase  every  virtuous  sonti- 
meitt. 

<<  Should  she  so  fur  deviate,  as  to  endanger      ' 
hor  reputation  and  happiness;  and  should  your 
admonitions  fail  to  rcjcluim  hor,  bocomo  not,     ■ 
like  Augusta,  an  abettor  of  hor  crimes.     It  is 
not  tho  part  of  friendship  to  hide  transactions 


THE    DOARDINO   SCHOOL. ""  85 

which  will  end  in  the  ruin  of  your  friend. 
Unthcr  acquaint  thoso  who  oufrht  to  havo  tho 
rule  over  her  of  hor  intended  minstcpfl,  ond 
you  will  have  discharged  your  duty;  you  will 
merit,  and  very  probably  may  allorwarda  ro- 
ceivu  hor  thanks. 

"  Narcissa  and  Florinda  woro  united  in  tho 
bonds  of  true  and  pcnorous  friendship.  Nar- 
cissa was  called  to  spend  a  few  montns  with  a 
relation  in  tho  tnotropolis,  where  sho  becamo 
ocquaintcd  with,  and  attached  to  a  man  who 
was  much  her  inferior  ;  but  whoso  specious 
manners  and  appearance  deceived  her  youth- 
ful heart,  though  her  reason  and  judgment  in- 
formed her,  that  her  parents  would  disapprove, 
tho  connexion.  She  returned  home,  the  con- 
sciousness of  her  fault,  tho  frankness  which  sho 
owed  to  her  friend,  and  hor  partiality  to  her 
lover,  wrought  powerfully  upon  hor  mmd,  and 
rendered  hor  melancholy.  Florinda  soon  ex- 
plored tho  cause,  and  warndy  rcmouMtratod 
ngninst  Jior  iinprudenco  in  holding  a  monient*fl 
intercourse  with  a  mon,  whom  she  know,would 
be  displeasing  to  hor  parents.  Sho  searched 
out  his  character,  and  found  it  fnr  inadequate 
to  Narcissa's  merit.  This  sho  represented  to 
her  in  its  true  colours,  and  conjured  hor  not 
tosncrifico  hor  reputation,  hor  duty  and  hor 
happiness,  by  encouraging  his  addresses  ;  but 
to  no  purpose  were  hor  expostulations.  Nar- 
CMMa  avowed  tho  design  of  permitting  him  to 
solicit  the  consent  of  her  parents,  and  the  de- 
termination of  marrying  kim  without  it,  if  they 
refused.  8 


K.iwiwmwui Willi  -IUMWIW1IHIII  iiiim  III  I  I J II  \immmmm 


iiiiiliii 


THB  BaAXlDINO  fCHOCML.^ 

'Tlorlnda  wati  alarmed  at  this  r^iolutioil ; 
d|  with  painful  anxiety,  saw  the  danger  of 
r  friend.  She  told  her  plainly,  that  the  re- 
rd  she  had  for  her  demanded  a  counterac-* 
n  of  her  design  ;  and  that  if  she  found  no 
tier  way  of  preventing  ita  execution,  she 
ould  discharge  her  duty  by  informing  her 
rents  of  her  proceedings.  This  Narciwsa  re^ 
ntcd,  and  immediately  withdrew  her  confi- 
nce  and  familiarity  ;  but  the  faithful  Flo- 
ida  neglected  not  the  watchful  solicitude  of 
cndship  ;  and  when  she  perceived  that  Nar- 
Bsa's  family  were  resolutely  opposed  to  her 
ojcctcd  match  and  that  Narcis.'?a  was  prcpar- 
g  to  put  her  rash  purpose  into  execution,  sho 
ude  known  the  plan  which  she  had  concerted 
id  by  that  mean  prevented  her  destruction, 
arcissa  thought  herself  greatly  injured,  and 
3clared  that  she  would  never  forgive  so  fla- 
rant  a  breach  of  fidelity.  Florinda  cndcav- 
jred  to  convince  her  of  her  good  intentions, 
id  the  real  kindness  of  her  motives  ;  but  sho 
jfused  to  hear  the  voice  of  wisdom,  till  a  sop- 
ration  from  her  lover,  and  a  full  proof  of  his 
nworthiness  opened  her  eyes  to  a  sight  of  her 
wn  folly  and  indiscretion,  and  to  a  lively 
3nse  of^^Florinda^s  friendship,  in  saving  her 
om  ruin  without  her  consent.  Her  heart 
verflowed  with  gratitude  to  her  generous 
reserver.  She  acknowledged  herself  indcbt- 
d  to  Florinda's  benevolence,  for  deliverance 


THE  DOARDINO  BCIIOOL.  87 

:id  over  after  lived  in  tho  strictoit  amity  with 
cr  raitliful  bonofactrosi." 


Saturday ^  A*  Jf. 
LOVE. 


^*  TiiE  hi<;licst  state  of  friendship  which  thiti  vn/, 
lib  udmits,  is  in  the  conjugal  relation.  On  ■- 
his  refined  aUbction,  love,  which  in  but  a  nioro 
interesting  and  tender  kind  of  friendship,  ought 
t(»  be  founded.  Tho  same  virtues,  the  same 
<!isposiiions  and  (|Uttlities  which  arc  nc'ceBsary 
Ml  u  friend,  are  still  more  requisite  in  a  com- 
panion for  life.  And  when  these  enlivening 
]>rinciples  are  united,  tliey  form  tho  basis  of 
(iurable  happiness.  But  let  not  tho  mask  of 
tVicndship,  or  of  love,  deceive  you.  You  aro 
ao>v  entering  upon  a  new  stago  of  oction 
where  you  will  probably  admire,  and  bo  ad- 
niired.  You  may  attract  tho  notice  of  many, 
who  will  select  you  as  objects  of  adulation,  to 
<ii3cover  their  tasto  and  gallantry  ;  and  per- 
haps of  somo  whose  aQcctions  you  have  really 
and  seriously  engaged.  The  first  class  your 
penetration  will  enable  you  to  detect  ;  and  ' 
your  good  sense  and  virtue  will  lead  you  to  / 
ireat  them  witb  tbe  neglect  tbey  deserve.    It   ^ 


